Nuclear Watchdog Expresses Concern Over Iran’s Uranium Enrichment Increase

The chief of the UN nuclear monitoring body informed the BBC that Iran’s choice to start producing considerably more highly enriched uranium was “very worrisome.” Rafael Grossi, who serves as the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that Iran is expanding its reserves of uranium enriched to 60%, which is slightly below the purity threshold required for a nuclear weapon. Numerous observers in the region are likely to interpret this development as Tehran’s reaction to its military and diplomatic challenges experienced in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza over the past few months. Mr. Grossi mentioned that it was “no secret” that certain Iranian politicians advocated for the creation of a nuclear weapon; however, following discussions in Tehran in recent weeks, he indicated that this “doesn’t seem to be the path of choice” for the present leadership. Mr. Grossi delivered these remarks while attending the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, an event organized by the London-based think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He cautioned Israel against launching assaults on Iranian nuclear sites, asserting that the repercussions would be “very, very serious indeed” regarding Tehran’s counter-response and the possible dispersal of radiation. Furthermore, he expressed that it was “extremely concerning” that an increasing number of nations were contemplating obtaining nuclear weapons and that public discourse concerning their deployment had grown “normalised.” In a report presented to IAEA governors on Friday, Mr. Grossi stated that his agency’s inspectors had verified that Iran was introducing a greater quantity of partially enriched uranium into the cascades of two centrifuges at its Fordow nuclear plant, located south of Tehran. The report indicated: “The facility’s updated design information showed that the effect of this change would be to significantly increase the rate of production of UF6 (uranium) enriched up to 60%.” It estimated that the plant would now yield 34kg (75lb) of 60% uranium monthly, a substantial rise from the previous 4.7kg. The IAEA had previously requested additional “safeguard measures” at Fordow “as a matter of urgency to enable the agency to provide timely and technically credible assurances that the facility is not being misused to produce uranium of an enrichment level higher than that declared by Iran, and that there is no diversion of declared nuclear material.” Iran maintains that it does not possess a military nuclear program. However, Mr. Grossi informed the BBC that its nuclear energy infrastructure has expanded over the past ten years. He stated: “They have a nuclear programme that has grown, has spawned in every possible direction.” He further elaborated: “The Iran of 2015 has nothing to do with Iran of 2025. Iran is starting production of 60% [uranium] at a much higher level of production, which means they will have the amounts necessary – if they so choose – to have a nuclear device in a much faster way. So we see an escalation in this regard, which is very worrisome.” During a visit to Tehran the previous month, Mr. Grossi reported receiving assurances from Iranian leaders that they would restrict their output of 60% enriched uranium. Iran’s choice to boost production follows minimal advancement in nuclear negotiations between European and Iranian representatives last week. Mr. Grossi noted the presence of “very vocal” factions within Iran advocating for the nation to “do its own thing” regarding nuclear weapons. He quoted: “In my conversations with the government, that doesn’t seem to be the path of choice, but they sometimes refer to this as something they might need to reconsider. I hope not. I have told them this would be a regrettable choice.” Israel has not yet initiated a comprehensive assault on Iran’s nuclear installations, although its government officials have openly deliberated this prospect. When questioned about the repercussions of such an Israeli attack, Mr. Grossi responded: “I don’t think this would go without an answer, militarily speaking, so I think we need to avoid this.” He added: “One should not forget that a big part of the nuclear programme in Iran is underground and very well protected. So kinetic action against the programme would require a vast deployment of force. “I just hope that we are not going to get there. I know the radiological consequences if you attack a nuclear facility.” Mr. Grossi further cautioned that the global nuclear non-proliferation framework was experiencing strain, given that established nuclear powers “seem to be relying more on nuclear weapons or modernising their arsenals.” Consequently, other countries were increasingly discussing the acquisition of nuclear weapons. He observed: “There are countries saying: well, why not us? If we see that we have a world… with new conflicts, the big [countries] are saying that perhaps they might use the nuclear weapons they have, maybe we should think about our own security.”