Washington and its Western allies “very concerned” by the new Iranian centrifuges

The United States, France, the United Kingdom and Germany expressed their “deep concern” regarding the commissioning of “new advanced centrifuges” announced the day before by Iran, in response to a critical resolution in Vienna condemning its nuclear activities.

“We note with deep concern the announcement made by Iran”the four countries said in a joint statement released by the US State Department. “Instead of responding to the resolution with cooperation, (Iran) plans to respond with a further expansion of its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful justification.”they denounced, “greeting” in passing the resolution adopted in Vienna.

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Remind Iran of its “legal obligations”

The text, drawn up by London, Paris and Berlin associated with Washington, was approved Thursday by 19 of the 35 member states of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which sits in Vienna, according to sources diplomatic officials interviewed by AFP. This document – of symbolic significance at this stage – reminds Iran of its “legal obligations”under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970. Russia, China and Burkina Faso voted against, while 12 countries abstained. Venezuela was unable to participate.

In response to this resolution, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) ordered the “putting into operation a series of new advanced centrifuges of different types”the OIEA and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a joint statement on Friday. “Technical and safeguards cooperation will continue with the IAEA, as in the past”in accordance with the commitments made by Iran, however, clarified the Iranian authorities.

Iran has severely restricted its cooperation with the Agency since 2021 and its nuclear program continues to gain momentum, even if Tehran denies wanting to acquire the bomb.