IAEA: "Iran Adds Centrifuges at Natanz Nuclear Facility"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced on the 21st (local time) that Iran has reportedly installed additional advanced centrifuges at the underground uranium enrichment facility of the Natanz nuclear site, where a recent explosion occurred.

It has not been confirmed whether the additional installations took place after the explosion on the 11th, which is suspected to have been caused by an external attack at the Natanz nuclear facility.

According to the IAEA report, on the 21st, six cascades made up of 1,044 IR-2m centrifuges and two cascades made up of 348 IR-4 centrifuges were confirmed to be installed at the underground uranium enrichment facility (FEP). Many of these centrifuges were operational.

In the IAEA report dated the 31st of last month, before the Natanz nuclear facility was attacked, it was stated that Iran was operating 696 IR-2m centrifuges and 174 IR-4 centrifuges.

The Natanz nuclear facility is where advanced centrifuges, which under the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) should only be used for research and development purposes, are housed. Iran believes Israel attacked this facility to prevent the restoration of the nuclear deal.