As Iran plans to install over 6,000 new centrifuges to enrich uranium, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, has reported this development. The report comes just before talks between Iran and European nations, including Britain, France, and Germany, in Geneva on Friday regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The increase in centrifuges comes after a censure by the IAEA following pressure from Western nations. Despite agreeing to cap its stock of high-enriched uranium at 60 percent purity, Iran’s plans to install more centrifuges could potentially speed up its uranium enrichment process, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation.
The talks in Geneva come ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office, who had previously implemented a policy of maximum pressure on Iran, leading to the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Iran’s decision to step up its nuclear enrichment in response to this decision has raised tensions between the two nations.
During the talks, Iran will be represented by Majid Takht-Ravanchi, while European Union deputy secretary-general Enrique Mora has also met with Iranian officials to discuss various issues including military support to Russia, the nuclear issue, regional tensions, and human rights. Iran has criticized the EU’s behavior on these issues, calling for a more diplomatic approach.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to do everything to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, after Iran’s warning that it could develop one if Western sanctions are reimposed. The situation remains tense as Iran and world powers attempt to navigate the complexities of the Iranian nuclear program.
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