Iran has recently initiated operations with new cascades of advanced centrifuges, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), despite facing international scrutiny over its nuclear activities. The centrifuges, specifically IR-4 and IR-6 models, have been activated at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility.

These advanced centrifuges are capable of enriching uranium more efficiently than Iran’s older models, with plans to install additional cascades at the Fordo nuclear site. This move signifies a significant step forward in Iran’s nuclear program, which has already achieved enrichment levels close to weapons-grade uranium.

The United States and other Western nations have criticized Iran’s actions, labeling them as “nuclear escalations” that undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

However, the IAEA’s findings did not indicate any immediate plans by Iran to enrich uranium beyond the current levels, which are up to 60%, just shy of the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. This development occurs amid broader tensions between Iran and Western countries, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war.

Iran’s decision to expand its nuclear capabilities follows a recent vote by the IAEA’s Board of Governors, which criticized Iran for its lack of full cooperation with the agency. Despite international pressure and economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies, Iran remains steadfast in its pursuit of nuclear technology, asserting its right to develop a peaceful nuclear program under international safeguards.

The 2015 nuclear deal, from which the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018, had placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Iran has gradually increased enrichment activities, citing the failure of other signatories to uphold their commitments after the U.S. withdrawal. This move has strained Iran’s relations with the international community, particularly as concerns persist over the transparency and peaceful intent of its nuclear program.

Efforts by the IAEA to enhance inspections and oversight have been met with limited cooperation from Iran, which has restricted access to certain sites and not fully addressed concerns about past nuclear activities. Despite assurances of peaceful intent and adherence to international treaties, Iran’s nuclear advancements continue to raise alarms among Western nations, heightening geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and beyond.