Iran is determined to actively develop nuclear weapons. Intel has said they have a few nuclear weapons purchased on the black market. But to develop them themselves, will change the Middle East forever.
On Thursday, the US State Department expressed readiness to further amplify pressure on Iran alongside its global partners if Tehran continues to resist cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. This announcement followed a report from the UN nuclear watchdog that indicated Iran’s accelerated efforts in expanding its uranium-enriching capabilities. According to the report, Iran has installed additional centrifuges at its Fordo facility and initiated similar setups elsewhere.
Last week I asked Australian officials about the Islamic Republic of Iran regime’s nuclear intentions. As today’s statement from the US State Dept shows, trusting the IRI regime to do the right thing is not a credible way forward.https://t.co/v2CIsmJz6Q pic.twitter.com/tVhaqfuZOd
— Senator Claire Chandler (@SenatorClaire) June 14, 2024
The US State Department highlighted concerns over the intentions behind Iran’s nuclear program expansion, stating it appears to lack any credible peaceful purpose. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, emphasized the gravity of the report’s findings, indicating that any implementation of these expansion plans by Iran would prompt a corresponding response from the US, although specific actions were not detailed.
Further developments were noted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which reported that Iran disclosed its activities of installing more centrifuge cascades at its Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities. This move came shortly after the IAEA’s board of governors criticized Iran for its insufficient cooperation, marking a continued escalation in the nuclear standoff.
Iran expands nuclear capacities further, UN watchdog warns#Iran #UnitedNations #NuclearEnergy pic.twitter.com/VbddnafZmH
— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 14, 2024
The term “cascade” in this context refers to a series of centrifuges used to enrich uranium, a process central to nuclear capability developments. The expansion of these facilities underscores the significant advancements in Iran’s nuclear program despite international scrutiny.
The situation has led to increased diplomatic tensions, evidenced by a recent motion from Britain, France, and Germany at the IAEA’s 35-nation board demanding better cooperation from Iran. The motion faced opposition from China and Russia but represents a concerted Western effort to address the potential threats posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This resolution followed Tehran’s harsh criticism, describing the motion as hasty and unwise, amid a broader impasse over its expanding nuclear activities.
Iran defies Biden, UN by enriching uranium for nuclear weapons program This is what happens with weak leadership under @POTUS https://t.co/YunyKuFwNy
— Love America ! (@Love_America2) June 14, 2024
The IAEA has flagged that Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state that enriches uranium up to 60 percent purity, a level significantly close to weapons-grade, while also continuing to amass large uranium stockpiles. This revelation is alarming as it suggests Iran possesses enough enriched uranium for several atomic bombs if further enriched to weapons-grade levels.
Iran’s progression in its nuclear program has been marked by a gradual detachment from the commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with major world powers, which faltered following the US’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Efforts to revive this agreement have been unsuccessful, leaving the international community on edge regarding the future trajectory of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Major Points
- The US State Department is ready to intensify pressure on Iran if it continues to avoid cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
- A UN report revealed Iran’s quick installation of additional uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordo site, suggesting an expansion with no credible peaceful intent.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted Iran’s recent actions to add more centrifuges at Natanz and Fordo, following criticism for lack of cooperation.
- Western nations, led by Britain, France, and Germany, have pushed for Iran to better cooperate with the IAEA, despite opposition from China and Russia.
- Iran’s increased uranium enrichment activities and stockpiling raise global concerns, especially as it moves away from the 2015 nuclear deal commitments after the US withdrew in 2018.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
