BICOM

Western diplomats say that Iran has tripled the number of advanced centrifuges installed at the Natanz nuclear plant, fuelling international concerns over Tehran’s nuclear development.

Reuters cites diplomatic sources which say that between 500-600 advanced centrifuges are now in place at Natanz, compared to just 180 two months ago when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last published its quarterly report on Iran’s nuclear activities. Although the latest centrifuges appear to have been installed, they are not yet operational. Should they be activated, it would enable Iran to sharply increase its enrichment efforts. Last month, Iran declared its intention to build 3,000 advanced centrifuges. Reuters quotes an unnamed diplomat who said that even though the new centrifuges are not yet active, “It is clear Iran can build them. The question is how many and how good are they.”

In addition to outlining the introduction of advanced centrifuges at Natanz, February’s IAEA report also revealed that Iran is continuing to increase its supply of 20 per cent enriched uranium, despite international sanctions designed to discourage such development. Uranium which is enriched to 20 per cent is considered just a small step away from weapons grade quality. The next IAEA report is set for publication towards the end of May and is expected to include updated details on both the increase in Iranian centrifuges and enrichment capability.

Earlier this month in Kazakhstan, talks to reach a broader diplomatic settlement reached an impasse between Iran and the so-called P5+1 powers –  United States, UK, China, Russia, France and Germany – who are tasked with leading the international effort to resolve concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme.