ALWAGHT- Iran has denounced a UN nuclear agency resolution against its peaceful atomic program as "unjustifiable" and ordered the activation of advanced centrifuges in retaliation.
Early on Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) issued a joint statement announcing directives to "initiate the operation of a substantial number of advanced centrifuges of various models." This move, aimed at safeguarding national interests and addressing the country’s civilian nuclear energy needs, was described as being within Iran's rights under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
The statement followed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors' adoption of a resolution alleging inadequate cooperation from Tehran and requesting a comprehensive report on its nuclear activities by spring 2025. The resolution, passed with a 19-to-3 vote and 12 abstentions, was criticized as a "non-consensus" decision driven by pressure from Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. Iran described the resolution as politically motivated, undermining the constructive atmosphere achieved during IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Tehran.
Iran accused the four Western nations of pursuing confrontational and unjustifiable actions, citing their history of failing commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposing sanctions on Tehran. The statement condemned the resolution as a politically charged measure that undermines the IAEA’s impartiality and uses the nuclear issue as a pretext to advance illegitimate goals. Despite this, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the IAEA in line with its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement.
Iran’s representative to the UN office in Vienna, Mohsen Naziri Asl, expressed disappointment over the resolution, which he said ignored "good promises" made during Grossi’s visit, including Tehran's agreement to cap 60%-enriched uranium stockpiles and accept new inspectors. He stressed that Iran’s response was in line with its legitimate rights. Tehran had warned earlier that any resolution against its peaceful nuclear program would prompt swift action. The situation follows the collapse of the 2015 JCPOA after the US withdrawal in 2018 and subsequent Iranian steps to roll back its commitments due to unmet obligations from other parties.
