Iran Expands Uranium-Enrichment Capacity

Latest Developments

Iran has installed new uranium-enriching centrifuges at its nuclear facility in Fordow and plans to install more of them at both the Fordow and Natanz enrichment plants, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on June 13. The new centrifuges could significantly expand Iran’s ability to make 60 percent highly enriched uranium, which accounts for 95 to 99 percent of the work required to obtain weapons-grade uranium. The development came in apparent response to the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 5 passage of a censure resolution against Iran for its nonproliferation violations.

Expert Analysis

“The United States and its allies must not let Tehran’s nuclear provocations pass without consequence. It’s long past time for the IAEA Board of Governors to refer the regime to the UN Security Council, which should immediately reimpose international sanctions on Iran. Words alone are insufficient.” — Tzvi Kahn, FDD Research Fellow and Senior Editor

“Iran’s move marks a significant escalation. The regime has hung the installation and activation of new advanced centrifuges over the West like a sword of Damocles. While Washington’s policy remains in paralysis, Tehran is hardening and expanding its nuclear assets for a quick sprint to nuclear weapons.” — Andrea Stricker, FDD Research Fellow and Deputy Director of FDD’s Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program

International Condemnation

The Biden administration responded to Iran’s conduct on June 13 by stating that the regime “aims to continue expanding its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful purpose. These planned actions further undermine Iran’s claims to the contrary. If Iran implements these plans, we will respond accordingly.” Washington added that it remains “in close coordination with our partners and allies and [is] prepared to continue to increase pressure on Iran should its non-cooperation with the IAEA continue.”

The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries issued a similar statement on June 14. “We urge Tehran to cease and reverse nuclear escalations, and stop the continuing uranium enrichment activities that have no credible civilian justifications,” the G7 said. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States comprise the G7.

“Tehran’s Possible New Enrichment Plant,” by Andrea Stricker

“IAEA Members Vote to Censure Iran Over Nuclear Violations,” FDD Flash Brief

“Amid New Iranian Nuclear Advances, Washington Blocks European Push for IAEA Censure,” FDD Flash Brief

“Analysis of the IAEA’s Iran NPT Safeguards Report – May 2024,” by David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Andrea Stricker

“What to Know About Iran’s Nuclear Program,” FDD Visual