Iran Expands Uranium Enrichment Capacity in Response to IAEA Board Resolution

On Wednesday, June 13, Reuters reported, citing diplomats, that the Islamic Republic of Iran has expanded its uranium enrichment capacity at two of its underground sites in response to a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors. However, the news agency emphasized that the scale of this expansion is 'not as much as many feared.' The IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution on June 6, calling on Iran to 'immediately' respond to the agency's inspectors' questions regarding the origin of uranium particles found at its undeclared sites. In the past, the Islamic Republic has reacted to Board resolutions, and following the previous resolution in 2022, it raised its uranium enrichment level to 60%, which is close to the level needed for nuclear weapon production. Baqeri Kani stated that the Board's resolution would not affect Iran's 'nuclear development.' Five diplomats, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that Iran is now seeking to install more cascades of centrifuges, uranium enrichment devices, at one of its underground facilities. Three of these diplomats added that IAEA inspectors monitoring Iran's progress are expected to present a report to the agency's member states on Thursday. A diplomat based in Vienna noted that the scale of Iran's recent reaction was 'not as much as I expected.' According to Reuters, it is unclear why Iran's response was less than anticipated, but 'perhaps they are waiting for the new government to take office.' Nevertheless, these diplomats stated that one should wait for the IAEA's report for a more accurate account of the expansion of enrichment capacity in Iran. The IAEA Board's resolution against Iran was passed with 20 votes in favor on June 6, while China and Russia opposed it, and 12 countries abstained. This resolution deemed the presence of experienced IAEA inspectors in inspections of Iran's nuclear activities as 'vital' and called on Iran to lift the ban on these inspectors. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials described the resolution as an 'unconstructive' action. The spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran stated that the Islamic Republic would not yield to 'pressure.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the Islamic Republic is committed to continuing technical cooperation with the IAEA 'within the framework of its international rights and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Safeguards Agreement.' According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the issuance of this resolution 'has no impact on the Islamic Republic of Iran's determination to continue peaceful utilization of nuclear energy' in accordance with the country's rights under relevant international treaties.