Iran to Boost Uranium Enrichment in Reaction to IAEA Resolution
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's nuclear agency said uranium enrichment will increase significantly as Tehran prepares to launch a new secure facility, following an anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman and deputy head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), condemned the latest anti-Iran resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a “repetitive” Western tactic.
“This is not the first time such resolutions are issued,” he said. “They believe pressure will force Iran to back down from its rightful positions. This is a grave strategic mistake.”
Kamalvandi confirmed that Iran will activate a third enrichment complex “in a secure location,” stating that enriched uranium output will increase significantly.
He said Iran had foreseen such moves and prepared a proportionate response. “We warned them before. If they escalate, we will respond accordingly.”
Kamalvandi said Iran submitted design questionnaires for two key technical actions to the IAEA immediately after the resolution was adopted. One of these actions includes the setup of a new enrichment site with high security features.
He also announced upgrades at the Fordow site. “We are replacing first-generation machines with sixth-generation advanced centrifuges. This means a dramatic increase in enriched material production.”
He stressed that both Fordow and the new facility are highly secure and that Iran is sending a clear message: “Pressure will not work and we are preparing ourselves.”
Kamalvandi added that Iran seeks constructive engagement but will not accept one-sided commitments. “Despite harsh sanctions, they still make baseless claims dating back 25 years. This is political exploitation, not cooperation.”
He said Iran will take further responsive measures, similar to the previous increase of 60% enrichment capacity sevenfold. “Expect something of the same scale again.” He also added that In addition, Iran is increasing operational security level, as the new site will significantly enhance overall security.”
Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, he said, has been extensive. “Among 32 countries under safeguards, Iran alone accounts for 72% of inspections. Globally, 22% of IAEA inspections are in Iran.”
He warned that this level of cooperation is under review. “We will reconsider continuing at this level if our goodwill is not acknowledged.”
On the possibility of a UN Security Council referral, Kamalvandi said: “While the resolution mentions this option, no such request has been made. Even if they try, they will not succeed. We count on our allies.”
He said Western powers aim to revive pressure under the snapback mechanism, though they lack justification. “Our suspensions have been lawful under Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. These were temporary and compensatory.”
“There’s no legal ground for accusing Iran of violations. Any action would be purely political,” he added.
He concluded by saying Iran is fully prepared for all scenarios. “We know how to defend our rights. If Obama once said he wished he could dismantle Iran’s nuclear industry, his successors may soon admit the same.”
Separately, AEOI chief Mohammad Eslami commented on Iran’s reaction to the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution.
Eslami described the resolution as a politically motivated campaign led by three European countries, the United States, and the agency’s director-general influenced by the Zionist regime.
He blasted them for exploiting the agency’s capacity to exert pressure for concessions.
Eslami rejected claims, including a Reuters report, that Iran failed to fulfill its commitments, clarifying that the resolution only accused Iran of not meeting JCPOA obligations.
He highlighted ongoing sanctions imposed by the West and questioned the expectation that Iran would refrain from responding.
Eslami warned that the Iranian nuclear program is vital to the nation’s people.
He announced Iran’s construction and imminent operation of a third enrichment site, confirming its security and readiness.
Eslami added that installation of new equipment will commence, followed by uranium enrichment operations.
He also declared plans to replace first-generation centrifuges at the Fordow facility with advanced sixth-generation models.
