Iran Begins High-Enriched Uranium Production... "Response to IAEA Resolution"

Satellite image of the Fordow nuclear facility in Iran taken in 2020

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Iran has started producing highly enriched uranium in response to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s resolution urging investigation of nuclear materials.

According to local media on the 22nd, Iran has reportedly begun producing uranium enriched to 60% concentration using the advanced centrifuge 'IR-6' at its underground nuclear facility in Fordow. The IR-6 centrifuge enriches uranium about 10 times faster than the IR-1 centrifuge, which Iran is permitted to use.

Under the 2015 nuclear agreement with the West (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Iran is not allowed to use the IR-6. Additionally, the agreement restricts Iran's uranium enrichment facilities to Natanz, prohibiting the use of the Fordow enrichment facility.

Iran's violation of the agreement by producing highly enriched uranium is interpreted as a retaliatory measure against the IAEA resolution. On the 17th, the IAEA passed a resolution demanding investigation of nuclear materials at three undeclared sites in Iran (Turquzabad, Marivan, Baramin). These locations were previously identified by Israel as secret nuclear activity sites in Iran.

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran sent a letter to the IAEA explaining that this is "part of a firm response to the adoption of the IAEA Board of Governors resolution." On the previous day, Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warned at a press conference that "the resolution was led by the United States and three European countries (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) and has political motives," adding, "Iran is prepared to implement strong retaliatory measures against baseless suspicions."

Meanwhile, since former U.S. President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and the imposition of sanctions on Iran, Iran has been limiting IAEA inspections and producing highly enriched uranium.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.