Iran announced on Saturday that it has permitted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increase the number of inspections of its nuclear facilities, signaling a potential shift toward greater transparency in its nuclear activities.
The move comes as Tehran expands its nuclear program, with Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, stating that an increase in nuclear capacity naturally necessitates heightened monitoring. “We have increased capacity—it is natural that the number of inspections should also increase,” Eslami was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency.
Eslami further explained, “When we carry out nuclear activities, and where we deal with nuclear materials, changing the scale will naturally change the monitoring level.” His comments were in response to a recent IAEA report indicating that Iran had agreed to enhance monitoring at the Fordo enrichment plant, located south of Tehran.
The IAEA report noted that ‘Iran agreed to the agency’s request to increase the frequency and intensity of the implementation of safeguards measures at Fordo enrichment plant.’ This development follows the UN nuclear watchdog’s announcement last week that Iran had revamped Fordo to significantly increase the production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, approaching the 90 percent enrichment level required for nuclear weapons.
Iran maintains that its nuclear pursuits are solely for peaceful purposes, vehemently denying any intention to develop atomic weapons. Eslami emphasized, “The IAEA has always had access to monitor within the framework of the safeguard agreement and the NPT, and we have not created any obstacles for it and we will not do so.”
The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obliges member states to declare and keep their nuclear materials under IAEA supervision to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Iran’s recent steps indicate compliance with these international obligations, despite ongoing tensions with Western nations.
Last month, Iran announced plans to launch “new and advanced” centrifuges in retaliation to an IAEA board resolution that censured Tehran for perceived lack of cooperation. In response, Britain, France, and Germany condemned Iran’s moves to expand its nuclear program, urging Tehran to reverse its course.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, the three European powers suggested the possibility of reimposing all UN sanctions against Iran to deter further development of its nuclear activities. The nuclear tensions have escalated since former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s decision to allow increased IAEA inspections may be a step toward easing international concerns. As the situation develops, global observers remain watchful of Tehran’s actions and the potential implications for regional and global security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
