Iran's Reaction to Recent IAEA Board Resolution: Increase in Uranium Enrichment

Reuters reported that in response to the recent resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, Iran intends to increase its uranium enrichment capacity at the underground sites of Natanz and Fordow. According to diplomats, this action will involve the installation of additional cascades of centrifuges at these two sites; however, it appears that the intensity of Iran's reaction is less than previously expected. Diplomats noted that IAEA inspectors are examining Iran's increase in enrichment and will provide a report on this matter, although details regarding the number and type of added centrifuges and their enrichment levels are still unclear. Some other officials believe that this action by Iran would likely have occurred even without the issuance of a resolution. The IAEA Board of Governors had previously urged Iranian officials on June 6 to take steps to cooperate with the agency, which is the UN's monitoring arm for nuclear matters, more swiftly and to revoke their recent decision to bar experienced inspectors. Eighteen months ago, the Board also issued a resolution obligating Iran to cooperate with the agency's investigations regarding uranium particles of 'human origin' discovered at locations where nuclear activities had not been previously reported to the agency. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, also stated on June 4 that Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, including uranium enriched to 60%, continues to increase. On Thursday, June 17, the United States reiterated a statement read on Tuesday, June 15, regarding the verification and monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities at the IAEA, emphasizing that there is no justification for the accumulation of highly enriched uranium in Iran. The U.S. noted that Iran's decision over the past three years to halt its nuclear commitments related to the JCPOA and subsequently remove visual and monitoring equipment associated with the JCPOA has undermined the IAEA's efforts. In the statement presented by Laura Holgate, the U.S. representative to the agency, it was mentioned that Iran's obstruction of the agency's continued awareness regarding the production and inventory of Iran's centrifuges and related components is concerning. The statement concluded that while Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium up to 60% continues to grow, there is no valid civilian justification for Iran's accumulation of highly enriched uranium, and these actions are inconsistent with the behavior of other non-nuclear-weapon states party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.