Iran announced on Friday that it has begun activating “new, advanced centrifuges” to enrich uranium as part of its nuclear program. The move comes in response to the latest resolution passed by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which Iran described as “anti-Tehran.”
A joint statement by Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, reported by Iranian state media, confirmed that the nuclear body chief has ordered “effective measures” following the resolution. These measures include deploying a significant number of “new and advanced centrifuges of different types.”
The joint statement described the resolution as “politically-motivated, unrealistic, and a counterproductive measure,” according to IRNA. It also emphasized that Iran will continue its technical and safeguards cooperation with the IAEA, as previously agreed.
Iran reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its nation while developing its nuclear program for peaceful purposes. The statement underlined Iran’s resolve to pursue its principled policies.
The IAEA resolution, drafted by France, Germany, and the UK, and supported by the US, was adopted by the 35-nation Board of Governors. A similar resolution in June had also been criticized by Iran as “hasty and unwise.” The latest resolution follows IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Tehran, during which he met with top Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
On Friday, Iran’s representative to the UN, Saeid Iravani, criticized the resolution, stating it was adopted “without consideration” of the “positive results” achieved during Grossi’s visit. Iravani asserted that Iran’s response would be based on its “legitimate rights.”
Iranian state media IRNA reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted the foreign ministers of member countries on the IAEA Board of Governors, including Ghana (the council head), Egypt, and Thailand. He urged them to oppose the resolution presented by the three European countries and prevent the Board from being used to advance political agendas.
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According to a CNN report, the 2015 nuclear deal limited Iran to operating around 5,000 older-model centrifuges, with advanced centrifuges permitted only for research purposes. However, Iran began scaling back its commitments after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran, severely impacting its economy. By 2019, Iran had launched new centrifuges in a significant departure from the agreement.