Iran begins working on infrastructure to build advanced centrifuges

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country has begun work to prepare the infrastructure for building advanced centrifuges at its Natanz enrichment facility, while respecting its commitments under 2015 nuclear deal.

“Yesterday, we took the first step and submitted a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the start of certain activities, but we started to take the necessary practical measures today,” Ali Akbar Salehi, the AEOI chief, told a press conference in Tehran on Tuesday.

“If conditions are ripe, I may explain tomorrow night at Natanz one of the projects we have in mind, which is a center for the production of new centrifuges,” he added.

He made the announcements less than a day after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for preparations for a potential collapse of the Iran nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), following the US’s withdrawal.  

The Leader ordered the AEOI to get prepared for a rise to 190,000 SWUs (separative work unit) within the framework of the JCPOA.

Salehi further said the developing of such infrastructure moves along quickly, adding, “If we were progressing normally, it would have taken six or seven years, but this will now be ready in the coming weeks and months.”

According to the AEOI chief, Tehran has also developed the capacity to produce electricity at the Natanz facility. The senior nuclear official also stressed that none of the measures Tehran is taking will violate the terms of the JCPOA.

EA