Iran Responds to E3 Resolution: Advanced Centrifuges on Standby
TEHRAN – In a significant development, Iran has announced a “decisive and immediate” response should the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors ratify a resolution drafted by the European trio (E3)—Britain, France, and Germany. The resolution, which critiques Iran’s nuclear program, is set to be put to a vote on Thursday.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, warned that Tehran is prepared to react the moment the resolution is passed. “The Atomic Energy Organization [of Iran] is prepared to implement whatever decision that could be adopted at the same hour of the resolution’s ratification,” he stated.
According to Gharibabadi, the response would target the technical areas of Iran’s nuclear program, including injecting gas into advanced centrifuges. He emphasized that Iran’s reaction stems from the perceived unconstructive approach of the E3 nations and their disregard for Tehran’s goodwill efforts.
IAEA’s Perspective: A Step in the Right Direction
Despite the tensions, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, acknowledged a positive step from Iran. He highlighted that Iran has capped its stockpile of highly enriched uranium following initial steps to stop adding to its inventory. Speaking in Vienna, Grossi stated, “This is a concrete step in the right direction. For the first time since Iran distanced itself from its past obligations, they are taking a different direction.”
However, Grossi cautioned that the situation remains fluid, noting, “I cannot exclude that Iran’s commitment might falter as a result of further developments.”
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Stability
Last week, Grossi visited Tehran for high-level talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials. The discussions resulted in Iran agreeing to freeze its sensitive uranium stockpile enriched up to 60 percent. Grossi urged all parties to avoid “unnecessary escalations, particularly in a region that has already suffered too much.”
As the IAEA prepares to vote, the international community watches closely, with potential ramifications for regional stability and global diplomacy.
