Nuclear Capabilities Highlighted

EghtesadOnline: The implementation of Iran’s advanced nuclear plans is aimed at demonstrating the country's capability in conducting its programs in a prompt manner once it decides, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said.

News ID: ۷۴۸۸۸۹

09 November 2019

Ali Akbar Salehi made the statement while visiting Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan Province to unveil three projects, including the injection of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas into the medium chain of IR6 centrifuges.

The plan is part of Iran's nuclear steps to reduce its compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, in response to the United States' exit and imposition of maximum pressure and the other parties' failure to undo the effects of American sanctions, ISNA reported.

"Today, we have the symbolic launch of three plans, one of which is a chain of 30 IR6 centrifuges," Financial Tribune quoted him as saying.

Based on the nuclear agreement, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran was to install the chain of 30 IR6 centrifuges in the next four and a half years after completing the 20 IR6 chain.

"But we were engaged in a political challenge and the country's top authorities demanded that the plans be definitely implemented to demonstrate that Iran's capability is such that once it decides [to pursue its nuclear program], it immediately puts it into operation," Salehi said.

Tehran began exceeding the limits set in JCPOA in May in a phased manner, taking once step every 60 days. The moves are aimed at restoring balance to the deal and inducing other parties to take effective action in support of Iran's interests.

The new developments in Natanz were the remaining parts of the third phase of Iran's reciprocal plan initiated on Sept. 7. They were implemented a few days before the deadline for the fourth step expires.

"We have installed 15 new-generation centrifuges in the past two months, which is a very big achievement," Salehi said, underlining the progress of nuclear projects.

Salehi also highlighted that the capacity for the production of uranium was 450 grams before the third step, but has now reached 5 kilograms per day, which marks a tenfold growth.

The remaining parties to JCPOA have warned Iran against any move that would lead to the collapse of the landmark agreement.

Tehran has stressed that all moves will be reversed as soon as its economic problems are addressed, which would require a mechanism with which Iran can export its oil and repatriate its revenues.

European countries have even tried to arrange a meeting between American and Iranian officials, but did not succeed because Iran demanded the complete lifting of US sanctions, which Washington refused to do.

The fourth phase of scaling back JCPOA commitments is due on Friday.

Government Spokesman Ali Rabiei said during a press briefing on Monday that details of the new step will be announced by President Hassan Rouhani on the due date and time. He did not specify the time.