Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about its plans to install over 6,000 additional centrifuges to enhance uranium enrichment, according to the UN’s nuclear watchdog. This announcement comes just ahead of scheduled talks in Geneva between Iran and representatives from Britain, France, and Germany regarding its nuclear program. Both sides agreed to continue diplomatic discussions following the meeting.According to the Leaders Asia sources, the IAEA’s confidential report revealed that Iran is not only installing new centrifuges but also activating existing ones. This follows a censure passed by the agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors at the request of Western nations, including the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany.Iran had previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 60% purity, well below the 90% required for weapons-grade material. However, it now plans to install 18 additional cascades of advanced IR-4 centrifuges at the Natanz facility, each capable of significantly faster enrichment. Tehran has repeatedly denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons.The Geneva talks occurred just two months before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. As per the Leaders Asia sources, during his earlier term, Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy led to Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and the imposition of strict sanctions, prompting Iran to ramp up its nuclear enrichment activities.Iran was represented in the talks by Majid Takht-Ravanchi, deputy to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs. Gharibabadi confirmed the discussions would continue, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to pursuing its national interests through dialogue. He also called for lifting Western sanctions.On social media platform X, Gharibabadi stated, “We are committed to the path of dialogue and engagement, focusing on our people’s interests.”European Union Deputy Secretary-General Enrique Mora also met with the Iranian delegation, addressing issues including Iran’s nuclear program, regional tensions, and military support to Russia. Mora urged a diplomatic resolution and emphasized avoiding further escalation.Gharibabadi criticized the EU’s stance, calling for an end to its “self-centered and irresponsible behavior” on issues like the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict. He claimed the bloc lacked moral authority to comment on human rights.Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. His statement followed warnings from Araghchi that Tehran might reconsider its ban on nuclear weapons development if Western sanctions persist.
