Iran Set to Dramatically Increase Uranium Enrichment Capabilities, IAEA Chief Warns

IAEA Chief Raises Alarm Over Iran’s Nuclear Expansion Plans
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has expressed serious concerns regarding Iran’s plans to install 6,000 new centrifuges, a move that could significantly increase its uranium enrichment capacity. Currently, Iran enriches uranium to 60%, a level dangerously close to weapons-grade uranium, which requires 90% enrichment. Grossi cautioned that if all new centrifuges are activated, Iran’s capabilities would make a significant leap toward acquiring nuclear weapons potential, marking a troubling escalation in its nuclear program.

Space Program and Ballistic Missile Concerns Amplify Fears
This alarming development comes in the context of Iran’s recent success in launching its most powerful Simorgh rocket, capable of carrying the heaviest payload the country has ever sent into space. While Iran asserts that its space program is for peaceful purposes, critics argue that these technological advancements may also serve to bolster Iran’s ballistic missile program, enhancing its ability to deploy long-range missiles. Such dual-use technology raises fears that Iran could use its space program as a cover for military missile development, complicating international security dynamics.

Geopolitical Context: Continued Tensions Amid Regional Setbacks
Despite setbacks suffered by Iran’s allied militias in the Middle East, including in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, the regime’s nuclear ambitions remain a persistent threat to regional and global stability. British intelligence chief Richard Moore recently emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program continues to pose significant security risks, particularly in light of its ongoing missile development. This comes as the U.S. under President-elect Donald Trump is expected to renew its “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran, including stricter financial sanctions, in an attempt to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities and economic stability.