Salehi: We are working on the construction of new centrifuges in Natanz

One day after the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic ordered the Atomic Energy Organization to prepare for Iran's achievement of 190,000 SWU, the head of this organization announced that Iran could reach this capacity within a year and a half to two years if it exits the JCPOA. According to Tasnim News Agency, Ali Akbar Salehi stated on Tuesday, June 5, that work on the infrastructure for the production of new centrifuges in Natanz is ongoing, but he emphasized that 'the plans we have are not contrary to the JCPOA.' He further mentioned that the preparations for producing 190,000 SWU enrichment involve 'Hall One' for assembling centrifuges, which will be 'completely ready' in about two months. However, he noted that the readiness of this hall does not currently mean the production of centrifuges on a large scale and that this hall is only prepared for a potential exit from the JCPOA. The head of the Atomic Energy Organization announced that if Iran exits the JCPOA, it could reach a uranium enrichment capacity of 190,000 SWU within the next year and a half or two years. Mr. Salehi had previously explained that SWU (Separative Work Unit) is the unit for separating uranium isotopes and defining enrichment needs, and approximately 190,000 SWU is required to supply fuel for the Bushehr power plant, Tehran research reactor, and Arak reactor. On the same day, Salehi also reported that the Islamic Republic has begun creating the necessary infrastructure for advanced centrifuge production some time ago. He emphasized that all of Iran's actions have been 'within the framework of the JCPOA.' The Supreme Leader had requested the Atomic Energy Organization to 'quickly' prepare the necessary groundwork for Iran to achieve 190,000 SWU uranium enrichment 'for now within the framework of the JCPOA.' According to the Vienna nuclear agreement, Tehran has accepted that its enrichment capacity at the Natanz facilities will be a maximum of 5,060 old IR-1 centrifuges for the next ten years. Iranian media reported that these centrifuges are machines with a capacity of one to 1.2 SWU. Thus, Iran's current enrichment capacity is about 7,000 SWU. According to previous statements by the Supreme Leader, Iran's enrichment capacity before the Vienna nuclear agreement was 10,000 SWU. However, the IR-8 centrifuges have a capacity of 24 SWU. The Vienna nuclear agreement stipulates that Iran is allowed to conduct 'research and development enrichment' activities with IR series 4 to 8 machines for ten years, but 'will not enter other isotope separation technologies for uranium enrichment.' Meanwhile, nuclear expert Behrouz Bayat stated in an interview with Radio Farda that after the 15-year limitations outlined in the JCPOA, Iran can take steps toward reaching the 190,000 SWU capacity. He emphasized that these remarks by Ayatollah Khamenei 'have domestic consumption' and that he has not yet decided for Iran to exit the JCPOA. Hours after the Supreme Leader's remarks, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization, announced that Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency in a letter that it will begin the process of increasing the necessary capacities for producing UF6 and UF4 gases and constructing and assembling a 'centrifuge rotor factory.' Uranium hexafluoride, whose formula is UF6, is a compound used in the uranium enrichment process. UF4 is also the chemical formula for uranium tetrafluoride. The rotor is a part of the centrifuge. Hassan Rouhani stated last year that Iran achieved UF4 and UF6 in 2004. These gases are injected into the centrifuges. Several Iranian officials have stated that injecting UF6 into Iran's IR-8 centrifuges is considered part of 'Iran's rights under the JCPOA.' Meanwhile, Mr. Salehi stated on Tuesday that this letter has been approved by the JCPOA monitoring board and has been confirmed by the Supreme Leader along with other decisions of this board. He did not refer to the details of the board's resolutions. The head of the parliament, the foreign minister of Iran, the defense minister, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization, Saeed Jalili, and Ali Akbar Velayati are members of the JCPOA monitoring board, and the President of Iran chairs this board.