Iran's ambitious expansion of its nuclear facilities at Fordow, coupled with plans for advanced centrifuges, has sparked global concern over its nuclear intentions and prompted condemnation from Western governments. (Shutterstock)
- Iran is significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities at the Fordow enrichment plant, potentially tripling enriched uranium production.
- Plans include installing nearly 1,400 advanced centrifuges capable of making weapons-grade uranium for multiple nuclear bombs.
- The international response, led by the Biden administration, condemns Iran's actions as undermining global non-proliferation efforts.
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Iran is significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities, particularly at the heavily fortified Fordow enrichment plant, The Washington Post reports.
According to confidential documents and assessments by weapons experts, this expansion could potentially triple the facility’s production of enriched uranium. This development has raised concerns among Western governments and nuclear watchdogs about Iran’s path toward nuclear weaponization.
Fordow Ceased Uranium Enrichment Until 2018
The Fordow enrichment plant, nestled deep within a mountain in north-central Iran, has been a focal point due to its hardened underground structure, which makes it highly resistant to airstrikes.
Originally established under the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, Fordow ceased uranium enrichment but resumed operations after the United States withdrew from the accord in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Now, Iran’s latest plans involve installing nearly 1,400 advanced centrifuges at Fordow, a move expected to dramatically increase its enrichment capacity.
These new machines could potentially generate enough weapons-grade uranium for several nuclear bombs within a matter of months.
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Iran Plans to Expand Enrichment Facility
In addition to Fordow, Iran has revealed plans to expand its main enrichment facility near Natanz, further heightening tensions with global powers wary of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The upgrades at both sites signify a significant leap in Iran’s capability to produce fissile material for both civilian nuclear power and potentially nuclear weapons.
Despite assurances from Iranian officials that their nuclear program is peaceful, recent public statements by leaders suggest they possess the technical capacity to quickly assemble nuclear weapons if ordered. This assertion, combined with the expansion at Fordow and Natanz, underscores Iran’s increasingly assertive stance in nuclear matters.
Related Story: Watchdog: Iran Increases Near Weapons-Grade Uranium Stockpile
Biden and the West Condemn Iran
The international response has been swift and critical.
The Biden administration, along with other Western nations, has condemned Iran’s actions, labeling them as steps to enhancing capabilities with no credible peaceful purpose.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been monitoring the situation closely, though Iran’s recent restrictions on inspector access have raised concerns about transparency.
Related Story: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Dies at 63 in Helicopter Crash
Read more at The Washington Post.
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