Iran: Intensifying Nuclear Capabilities Amid International Pressure

In response to IAEA criticism, Iran has activated new advanced centrifuges, escalating its nuclear program and heightening tensions with Western powers.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Iran has reacted strongly to a resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors by activating new advanced centrifuges. This decision was formalized in a joint statement from the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization (OIEA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Tehran asserting that it is responding to what it perceives as a “politically motivated” initiative by Western powers.

The resolution, approved by 19 of the 35 IAEA Board members, criticized Iran’s lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program. Key actors such as Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against the resolution, while 12 countries abstained. Western diplomats accused Iran of escalating tensions and violating commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Technological Advancements in a Strained Context

The newly installed centrifuges will significantly boost uranium enrichment capabilities, a critical process for various applications, including energy production. However, this technology has raised concerns among international experts, as it may bring Iran closer to the thresholds required for military use.

Tehran continues to assert that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes. Nevertheless, international skepticism remains high, fueled by ongoing tensions since the United States’ withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 under the Trump administration.

A Fragile Nuclear Agreement

The 2015 agreement, signed in Vienna between Iran and six major powers, aimed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67%, far below the 60% currently achieved by Iran. The deal also included easing economic sanctions on Tehran. However, the U.S. decision to withdraw from the agreement prompted Iran to retaliate by increasing its enriched material reserves and restricting cooperation with the IAEA.

In 2021, Tehran intensified its stance by deactivating surveillance cameras and limiting IAEA inspectors’ access to nuclear sites. These actions have further complicated verification efforts by the UN nuclear watchdog and exacerbated diplomatic tensions.

Prospects for Negotiations

Despite the escalation, some voices in Iran, including President Massoud Pezeshkian, advocate for constructive dialogue. The recent invitation extended to IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to visit the Natanz and Fordo nuclear facilities is seen as a potential sign of openness.

However, the threatening statements from Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, hinting at a possible withdrawal from the NPT, underscore the fragility of the situation. Such a move would represent a significant rupture in the global nuclear order, heightening regional risks.

Santee Cooper has selected Brookfield Asset Management to lead a feasibility study aimed at completing two unfinished AP1000 reactors, without relying on public funds or raising consumer rates.
Endesa, Iberdrola and Naturgy have officially requested the Spanish government to delay the closure of the Almaraz nuclear power plant, originally scheduled for 2028, reigniting the debate on nuclear power's role in the national energy mix.
The reactor vessel for Unit 1 at Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear plant has been delivered following a 20-day maritime transport from Saint Petersburg, marking a critical milestone in the country’s energy project.
Ontario Power Generation secures CAD3bn ($2.1bn) in public equity financing to construct four modular reactors at Darlington, aiming to ease private sector entry into next-generation nuclear infrastructure.
French developer Newcleo launches a joint venture with Nextchem through a EUR70 mn contract to design the conventional island of its upcoming 200 MW modular nuclear reactors.
NANO Nuclear strengthens its North American strategy by acquiring Global First Power in Canada, securing regulatory rights for its KRONOS MMR™ project at Chalk River.
South Korea becomes the first country to submit a safeguards technical report to the IAEA for a small modular reactor, setting a precedent for early integration of non-proliferation requirements in nuclear design.
The Environmental Authority criticises the lack of key data on health risks, chemical discharges and construction safety for EDF's two upcoming EPR2 reactors in Seine-Maritime.
Brazil and China have concluded a three-year agreement to secure access to essential radioisotopes for the medical, industrial and scientific sectors, with no financial exchange between the parties.
US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.
PGE acquires ZE PAK's stake in the joint venture responsible for developing Poland’s second nuclear site, consolidating a strategic asset within its energy portfolio.
Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.