Iran Unveils Advanced Nuclear Centrifuges in New Underground Facility Near Natanz
TEHRAN, IRAN — In a significant development, Iranian state television revealed on Wednesday the operation of advanced IR-9 centrifuges at a newly constructed underground nuclear facility located near Natanz.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that the centrifuges, capable of enriching uranium at a rate 50 times faster than the first-generation IR-1 models, have been activated. This escalation occurs amid stalled negotiations in Vienna over the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
According to a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, inspectors verified the installation of cascades at the facility, which is buried deep within mountain terrain to withstand potential airstrikes. Iranian officials stated that the enrichment program remains for peaceful medical and energy purposes, as permitted under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Western diplomats, however, expressed alarm, citing Tehran's reduced cooperation with IAEA inspections. The United States Department of State issued a statement calling the move a "provocative step backward" and reaffirming that all options remain on the table to prevent nuclear proliferation.
The revelation comes one month after Iran allowed limited IAEA access to the site, and experts suggest it could further isolate Tehran from global diplomatic channels.