IAEA: Iran Began Enrichment with IR-2M Centrifuge Cascades
The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran has begun enrichment with the third cascade of IR-2M centrifuges at Natanz. This Iranian action is considered a violation of the JCPOA nuclear agreement that Iran concluded with five world powers in 2015.
The International Atomic Energy Agency informed member states on Monday, March 8, that Iran has begun enrichment with the third cascade of IR-2M centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility.
Reuters, which reviewed the IAEA report, wrote that the atomic agency confirmed on Sunday, March 7, in its report that Iran has begun injecting natural UF6 into the third cascade of IR-2M centrifuges.
Three months ago, Reuters had also reported the start of installation of new advanced-type IR-2M centrifuges in three cascades of 174 units each in the underground section of the Natanz facility.
Advanced centrifuges were installed while this summer the research and development center for new centrifuges at Natanz was targeted by a destructive explosion.
In Reuters’ report, it was also mentioned that a fourth cascade of IR-2M centrifuges has been installed but natural UF6 has not yet been injected into them. The report also noted that a fifth cascade of IR-2M centrifuges is in the process of installation and installation of a sixth cascade of IR-2M centrifuges has not yet begun.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has considered enrichment with advanced centrifuges by Iran as a violation of the JCPOA agreement. This Iranian action could endanger “renewed” negotiations over the JCPOA as well as the recent agreement between the IAEA and Iran regarding “snap inspections.”
