Iran’s use of tabletop centrifuges to enrich uranium is for peaceful purposes.

Release time:

2012-08-30

Overview:

There are more than 1,000 centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear facility, of which 700 are currently operational. Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the country plans to eventually install 3,000 machines at the Fordow nuclear facility.

According to foreign media reports, diplomatic sources revealed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to release a report on the 29th or 31st, detailing “how Iran has continued to expand its nuclear program despite facing severe sanctions and threats of military action from Israel.”

　　Diplomatic sources believe that the International Atomic Energy Agency will mention in its report that Iran has newly installed 350 uranium enrichment centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear facility since the last report in May. The centrifuges at this facility produce uranium enriched to a concentration of 20%.

　　In May, the agency released a report stating that there were more than 1,000 centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear facility, of which 700 were operational. Iran had previously informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the country planned to eventually install 3,000 machines at the Fordow nuclear facility.

　　It is reported that Western countries have long suspected Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons. To compel Iran to abandon its nuclear program, they have imposed stringent sanctions on the country. Israel has also not ruled out the possibility of using military force against Iran. However, Iran firmly denies these accusations, insisting that its nuclear activities are purely for peaceful purposes.

　　Soltaniyeh, Iran’s representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated prior to the Non-Aligned Movement summit, “We will never halt our uranium enrichment activities. The activities we are conducting are entirely legitimate, and we will continue them under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

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