US: Tehran's Nuclear Program Expansion Has No Credible Peaceful Purpose, We Will Respond

On June 14, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department reacted to the Islamic Republic's action of increasing uranium enrichment capacity at two underground sites, warning that the U.S. would respond to this action. Matthew Miller stated on Thursday, "The International Atomic Energy Agency's report clearly shows that Tehran intends to expand its nuclear program in a way that has no credible peaceful purpose. These planned actions further undermine the Iranian government's claims. If the Islamic Republic proceeds with these plans, we will respond accordingly." He also emphasized, "The Islamic Republic must cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency without further delay and fully implement its legal obligations. As long as Iran does not do this, the IAEA Board of Governors will hold Tehran accountable." The U.S. State Department spokesperson clarified, "We are in close coordination with our partners and allies and are prepared to increase pressure on Iran if the Islamic Republic continues to fail to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency." Reuters reported on June 14 that the Islamic Republic has expanded its uranium enrichment capacity at two underground sites in response to a resolution from the Board of Governors the previous week and has rapidly installed additional centrifuges at the Fordow facility. According to this report, Iran informed the Agency that by June 11, it had completed two new cascades of IR-6 centrifuges and would install eight cascades containing 174 IR-6 centrifuges in Unit 1 of the Fordow enrichment facility within the next three to four weeks. On June 5, the IAEA Board of Governors approved a resolution demanding that the Islamic Republic immediately respond to inspectors' questions about the origin of uranium particles discovered at its undeclared sites and revoke its recent decision to bar some inspectors from entering Iran. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, stated on June 4 that Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, including those enriched up to 60%, continue to increase. The United States also stated on June 5 that there is no justification for the accumulation of highly enriched uranium in Iran. Mehran Mostafavi: The Islamic Republic uses uranium enrichment as leverage in negotiations. The Islamic Republic's response to the recent IAEA Board resolution: Increasing uranium enrichment. The U.S. statement at the Board meeting: Iran's nuclear program has become a serious challenge to international security. The Islamic Republic, China, and Russia's request to Western countries: Let's return to the JCPOA agreement. Reuters: The European Troika is seeking to pass a resolution against the Islamic Republic at the upcoming IAEA meeting. Exclusive: The U.S. expresses concern over the continued production of highly enriched uranium in Iran; we will increase pressure.