The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has confirmed that Iran is expanding its activity at the subterranean Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant by installing hundreds of new centrifuges. This move could potentially triple Iran’s production of enriched uranium, which could be quickly refined to weapons-grade material.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran already possesses a major stockpile of uranium. Eric Brewer, the deputy vice president of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, told The Associated Press that this stockpile is sufficient to produce the equivalent of at least three nuclear bombs.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern, asserting that Iran aims to continue expanding its nuclear program without credible peaceful purposes. These planned actions further undermine Iran’s claims to the contrary, and the U.S. has indicated it will respond accordingly if Iran implements these plans.
Iran has denied any intention of bolstering its uranium production for nuclear weapons. However, Axios reported that new U.S. and Israeli intelligence suggests Iranian scientists may be using computer modeling to research and develop nuclear capabilities.
Despite this backdrop, U.S. and Israeli officials were scheduled to meet at the White House to discuss Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The current status of the meeting remains unknown, as sources indicated to Fox News, it may have been canceled after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of withholding military aid. The White House, however, maintains that the meeting is still moving forward, although the final plans are yet to be confirmed.