Iran announced, on Sunday, “the start of operation of advanced centrifuges, in response to a decision issued by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding the Iranian nuclear program.”
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said: “We began pumping gas into advanced centrifuges, in response to the decision of the Board of Governors, which we considered unjustified.”
He added, according to the official IRNA news agency, that “the European Troika and the United States have made Iran’s nuclear activities a pretext for its illegal measures against Tehran.”
Qalibaf pointed out that “the European and American approach towards the Iranian nuclear program has led to further escalation in relations,” adding that Iran considers this step “a legitimate response to unfair Western policies.”
In turn, Deputy Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, Behrouz Kamalvandi, confirmed that “Iran has begun using a series of new and advanced centrifuges.”
Kamalvandi pointed out, “Iran considers these measures part of its right to develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, despite international sanctions and pressure.”
Iran is holding talks with European countries to discuss issues, including the nuclear file
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday that it will hold an upcoming meeting between deputy foreign ministers of three European countries in the coming days to discuss regional and international issues, including the nuclear file.
According to the Iranian News Agency “IRNA,” the ministry’s spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, said in a statement, “A meeting will be held between the deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany, and Britain, next Friday, November 29, to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues.” This round of talks, which have been planned since the New York meeting, will address a group of regional and international issues, including the issue of Palestine and Lebanon, in addition to the nuclear file.”
In this context, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed, “Iran will hold talks with France, Germany, and Britain on November 29 regarding nuclear and regional issues.”
Japanese Kyodo News reported that representatives of the four countries will meet in Geneva on November 29.
A few days ago, Iran responded to the decision of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency against Tehran, and the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization issued “instructions to take effective measures, including operating a large group of new and advanced centrifuges of various types.”
Last updated: November 24, 2024 – 21:10
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What are the potential consequences of Iran’s advanced centrifuge operations on international diplomacy?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Nuclear Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we have a special guest with us—Dr. Nima Rastan, an expert in nuclear policy and geopolitics. Welcome, Dr. Rastan!
Dr. Nima Rastan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. As reported, Iran has begun operating advanced centrifuges in response to decisions made by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors. What does this mean for the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East?
Dr. Rastan: This development is quite significant. Iran’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tension between Tehran and Western nations, particularly the U.S. and the European Troika. By advancing their nuclear capabilities, Iran is signaling that it will no longer be constrained by what they deem ‘unfair’ sanctions and measures targeting their nuclear program. This could lead to an exacerbation of tensions in the region and complicate future diplomatic negotiations.
Editor: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf described the Board of Governors’ decision as “unjustified.” What are the implications of this rhetoric?
Dr. Rastan: Qalibaf’s language reflects a broader narrative that the Iranian government is pushing—that Western nations are using Iran’s nuclear program as a pretext for their geopolitical maneuvers. This rhetoric rallies domestic support, framing the nuclear program as a matter of national pride and sovereignty. However, it also hardens Iran’s position in international negotiations, making compromise more difficult.
Editor: We also see that Behrouz Kamalvandi, Deputy Head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, emphasized Iran’s intention to develop its nuclear program for peaceful purposes despite sanctions. How credible is this claim?
Dr. Rastan: That’s a complex question. While Iran does have the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the lack of transparency and past incidents of non-compliance have eroded trust. The international community is understandably concerned about the potential for these advancements to lead to nuclear weapons capability, despite Iran’s insistence on peaceful intentions. Verification mechanisms have become critical in this context.
Editor: Iran has also announced upcoming talks with European countries about important issues, including the nuclear file. What should we expect from these discussions?
Dr. Rastan: The upcoming meetings are crucial, as they represent an opportunity for de-escalation. Europe is keen to find a diplomatic solution which may involve a renewed push for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or new frameworks for negotiations. However, given the recent escalation from Iran, we might see a tough bargaining atmosphere, where both sides need to demonstrate flexibility while safeguarding their fundamental interests.
Editor: Many fear that increasing tensions could lead to military confrontations in the region. Do you see this as a realistic scenario?
Dr. Rastan: While all parties involved have an interest in avoiding military conflict, the risk of miscalculation or provocation is real. Given the volatile nature of the Middle East and the complexities around the Iranian nuclear issue, any misstep could lead to an escalation. It’s essential for diplomatic channels to remain open and for all parties to engage constructively, even in the face of provocations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rastan, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise helps illuminate the intricacies of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the challenges ahead.
Dr. Rastan: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time, and I hope for a peaceful resolution to these tensions.
Editor: That wraps up our discussion for today. Thank you to our viewers for tuning in—stay informed, and we’ll keep you updated on this evolving story.