Iran Escalates Nuclear Enrichment: Alarming Increase Under Enhanced Surveillance

Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.

Partagez:

Iran has reached a worrying milestone in the development of its nuclear program. According to a confidential report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tehran has agreed to intensify monitoring measures at its Fordo site. This decision follows a significant acceleration in uranium enrichment, reaching 60%, a level close to the threshold required for nuclear weapons production.

In December, Tehran activated new centrifuges at the Fordo site, increasing monthly production estimates to over 34 kilograms of enriched uranium, compared to 4.7 kilograms during the previous evaluation period. This acceleration puts Iran on the brink of a critical threshold, sparking serious concerns among major global powers.

A Fragile Agreement and Rising Tensions

This escalation is part of Iran’s gradual withdrawal from its commitments since 2018, following the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). The agreement strictly limited uranium enrichment to a level of 3.67%. In response to the reintroduction of severe economic sanctions, Iran has progressively abandoned its commitments while defending its right to nuclear energy for civilian purposes.

Despite this official justification, international experts highlight that the current enrichment level of 60% dangerously approaches the 90% required to produce a nuclear weapon. Consequently, the IAEA has demanded stricter inspections to ensure the program remains within declared limits and to prevent any diversion of nuclear materials for military use.

Strong International Reactions

Major European powers, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have expressed deep concern over this development. In a letter to the United Nations Security Council, these nations urged Iran to immediately halt this escalation. They have not ruled out invoking the sanctions mechanism provided by the 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear advances.

The European Union has also condemned the situation. According to Anouar El Anouni, spokesperson for the EU diplomatic service, “enriching uranium to levels close to military-grade is extremely concerning.” This statement reflects the growing tensions between Iran and Western powers, complicating any efforts to resume negotiations.

Balancing Civil and Military Intentions

Tehran continues to assert that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes, particularly for electricity production. However, this stance is increasingly questioned by the international community, which fears Iran may be covertly developing a military capability.

This situation raises numerous questions about the future of diplomatic relations and the measures the international community will take to prevent nuclear proliferation in an already volatile region.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.