Iran Vows to Ramp Up Uranium Enrichment After IAEA Censure as Regional Tensions Soar
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Iran on Thursday vowed to dramatically escalate its uranium enrichment efforts in direct response to a formal censure by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), sharply raising the stakes in an already volatile standoff with the West and fueling fears of imminent military conflict.
Hours after the IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution declaring Iran in noncompliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations, Tehran announced the launch of a third enrichment facility “in a secure location.” It stated that it would significantly increase output at its Fordo site by using advanced centrifuges. The moves signal Iran’s most defiant nuclear expansion in years.
“The implication of this is that our production of enriched materials will significantly increase,” said Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi. “This is a specific and effective response to the hostile resolution.”
Iran already possesses large stockpiles of uranium enriched up to 60%—just short of weapons-grade—and the new measures would push it further beyond civilian needs. Western intelligence agencies have long suspected Iran maintained a secret weapons program until 2003, and officials warn that the current pace of enrichment could allow Tehran to reach breakout capability within weeks.
The IAEA resolution—submitted by the U.S., UK, France, and Germany and backed by 19 member states—accused Iran of failing to provide credible answers regarding uranium traces found at undeclared nuclear sites. It is the first formal rebuke of Tehran by the agency in nearly two decades.
“The inability of the Agency to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that fall under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Security Council,” the resolution declared.
The fallout was swift. The United States announced the evacuation of non-essential embassy personnel from Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, amid fears that Iran or its proxies may retaliate. The Pentagon is on alert, and U.S. officials warned that Iran’s escalation could provoke a broader regional confrontation.
Meanwhile, reports from NBC and CBS early Thursday revealed that U.S. intelligence believes Israel is now poised to carry out long-threatened military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. American officials fear that such a move could be launched in the coming days, even as high-level talks between Washington and Tehran remain scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
President Donald Trump, who has pushed for a tougher stance on Iran, said this week he is “less confident” than before that a diplomatic deal can be reached. “They’re stalling,” he said, referring to Tehran’s insistence on retaining low-level enrichment as part of any agreement.
Despite the deteriorating situation, the IAEA resolution urged all parties to remain committed to diplomacy, stating its “support for a negotiated solution, including the ongoing U.S.-Iran talks, aimed at addressing international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.”
But Israel is preparing for the alternative. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent Mossad chief David Barnea and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to Washington for urgent consultations with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. According to Israeli officials, the visit is intended to “clarify Israel’s position” ahead of any significant developments.
A senior Western diplomat warned that if Iran does not reverse course, the IAEA could hold an extraordinary meeting this summer to adopt a second resolution, which would refer Iran to the UN Security Council, potentially triggering the reimposition of international sanctions.
“The window for diplomacy is narrowing,” the diplomat said. “Iran’s response to this censure has only intensified the threat.”
With enrichment expanding, U.S. forces repositioning, and Israel potentially preparing to act, the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program is hurtling toward a decisive moment.
IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?
While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.
Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.
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