Iran activates thousands of advanced centrifuges following IAEA resolution Statement by AEOI chief

Iran has activated several thousand advanced gas centrifuges to produce enriched uranium in response to a resolution adopted on November 21 by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. 

The resolution criticized Tehran for alleged insufficient cooperation with the agency, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

“We have stated from the beginning that if the three European countries do not take the path of cooperation and continue confrontation... we will definitely retaliate, which we did at the time of the resolution's adoption by starting the process of supplying gas to several thousand modern centrifuges as part of our nuclear industry development program,” Eslami said during a press conference broadcast live on SNN TV, per Caliber.Az.

Eslami emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, is under IAEA oversight, and currently limits uranium enrichment to below 60% purity, as stipulated by its nuclear development plan. He added that Iran “has the ability to increase productivity” and “has more advanced machines” within its nuclear facilities.

On November 21, the IAEA's Board of Governors condemned Iran for failing to fully cooperate with the agency, marking the second such censure in five months. The resolution called on Tehran to clarify questions surrounding a long-running investigation into uranium particles detected at two undeclared sites.

Nineteen board members voted in favour of the resolution, which was backed by France, Germany, and Britain, with support from the United States. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the measure, while 12 countries abstained, and one did not vote, according to diplomats familiar with the closed-door proceedings.

The resolution followed an IAEA report earlier in the week that accused Iran of increasing its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. As of October 26, Iran had amassed 182.3 kilograms (401.9 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 17.6 kilograms (38.8 pounds) since the last report in August. Uranium enriched at 60% is only a technical step away from reaching 90% weapons-grade purity.

The resolution also mandates that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi deliver a “comprehensive and updated assessment” of Iran’s nuclear activities by spring 2025. This could lead to further action by the UN Security Council, potentially involving additional sanctions on Tehran.

In response to the resolution, the AEOI and Iran’s foreign ministry issued a joint statement condemning its passage. Iranian officials reiterated their position that the country’s nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes and in compliance with its Safeguard Agreement with the IAEA. Tehran also warned that it would retaliate immediately against any such measures, consistent with past responses to IAEA resolutions.

The resolution’s findings and potential actions could escalate tensions between Iran and Western nations. Diplomats indicated that further steps might include triggering sanctions before October 2025, when the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal is set to expire.

By Tamilla Hasanova