Iran announced on Thursday that it will significantly increase its production of enriched uranium, directly defying US demands and escalating tensions ahead of a new round of nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. This defiant move comes in the wake of a UN nuclear watchdog resolution criticizing Iran for non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, a move which prompted Israel to call for a decisive international response, and amid reports of a potential imminent Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The increase in enrichment will involve the opening of a new enrichment center at a secure location and the replacement of older enrichment machines at the Fordow plant with more advanced models. Iranian officials stated that this will lead to a substantial increase in enriched uranium production. This action directly counters US pressure to limit enrichment levels.
The move dramatically escalates tensions ahead of the upcoming nuclear negotiations in Oman, the sixth round of talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The US and Iran have engaged in five rounds of talks since April to replace the 2015 accord abandoned by President Trump. Iran has issued threats to target US military bases in the region if the talks fail and conflict ensues. Recent comments from President Trump expressing decreased confidence in reaching a deal, coupled with the relocation of US personnel from the Middle East, further heighten the sense of urgency and uncertainty.
Israel, a staunch opponent of Iran’s nuclear program, has repeatedly warned that it could attack Iranian nuclear sites to prevent its arch-foe from acquiring an atomic bomb. This threat of military action adds another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation. Iran has vowed to retaliate against any such attack. The US embassy in Jerusalem has also restricted staff movements due to increased regional tensions, and a reduction in staff levels at the US embassy in Iraq has been reported. Despite these heightened tensions, Oman’s Foreign Minister confirmed that the talks will proceed as scheduled.
This latest development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing diplomatic standoff over Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Iran defends its enrichment activities as a right, while the US considers it a red line. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s resolution condemning Iran’s non-compliance could potentially trigger the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 deal, reinstating UN sanctions. The EU has urged Iran to show restraint and avoid further escalation. Iran has warned of potential retaliatory measures, including withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty, if the snapback mechanism is invoked.
