350 new machines

Iran makes good on threat, expands uranium enrichment

The country produces almost weapons-grade material whose purity far exceeds the requirements for nuclear fuel or scientific purposes.

(Bild: AP)

Following a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Iran, Tehran is pressing ahead with the expansion of its uranium facilities. 

According to the Vienna-based IAEA, Iran has commissioned additional high-performance centrifuges for the enrichment of uranium. The Islamic Republic has also announced the installation of many more powerful centrifuges. 

Around 350 of these new machines have already been installed in an underground facility in Fordow and 350 more are in the works.

USA threatens "reaction"
The US State Department reacted sharply to the latest Iranian measures described by the IAEA. "The steps outlined in the report further undermine Iran's claim that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful," said Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Thursday. The United States would "respond accordingly" should Iran follow through on its announcements.

Officially, Iran does not enrich uranium for nuclear weapons
However, the country produces almost weapons-grade material whose purity far exceeds the requirements for nuclear fuel or scientific purposes. In 2015, Iran agreed to severely restrict its nuclear program.

In return, Western countries promised to lift sanctions. However, the then US President Donald Trump soon terminated this pact. Iran then restarted its uranium facilities.