Mohamed Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, announced over the weekend that Iran has significantly expanded its nuclear enrichment capacity, effectively doubling its historical peak. He attributed this growth to new capabilities enabled by legislative support provided by Iran’s Parliament, signaling a strengthening of the country’s nuclear program even amid international scrutiny.
In his remarks, Eslami expressed gratitude toward Iranian lawmakers for backing what he described as a strategic action taken in response to renewed international sanctions and the broader geopolitical pressures surrounding Tehran. Tasnim News Agency, a semiofficial outlet in Iran, reported these comments and noted that the United States had reportedly signed a nuclear agreement with Iran, a claim that has provoked further discussion within regional and international circles.
Earlier in the year, Eslami had outlined ambitious plans for Iran’s energy landscape, including the potential to generate a substantial portion of the country’s electricity from nuclear power. These plans emphasize Iran’s intent to advance its energy independence while navigating the complexities of international cooperation in the nuclear field.
On another front, U.S. policy officials have been vocal about Iran’s nuclear trajectory. A senior U.S. official indicated that Tehran does not appear inclined to return to the 2015 nuclear deal, commonly known as the JCPOA, and urged Washington to prioritize actions that could curb the supply of Iranian weapons to conflict zones. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about Iran’s role in regional security, arms control, and diplomacy.
Diplomatic negotiations surrounding Iran’s potential return to the nuclear agreement have faced substantial obstacles. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly raised concerns about access to Iranian facilities, while Tehran has indicated it would attach conditions that would hinder inspections. These dynamics contribute to a broader atmosphere of friction between Iran and many of its international partners, complicating any path toward renewed multilateral engagement.
Recent disclosures confirmed by the IAEA indicate that Iran has begun enriching uranium up to 60 percent purity at its Fordo facility. This development follows earlier steps at Natanz, where new centrifuge arrays have been installed and operable. The country has signaled an intent to expand its enrichment capabilities further, a move that has prompted heightened attention from global monitoring bodies and regional observers alike, given the potential implications for regional security and nonproliferation norms.