IAEA: Iran has set up underground centrifuges workshop at Natanz

• Published date: 29 April 2022

The workshop uses machines from a now-closed facility at Karaj that suffered what Tehran claimed was a sabotage attack by Israel. The workshop can make parts essential to advanced centrifuges that are among the most efficient in Iran's enrichment program

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) informed its member states two weeks ago that Iran had moved the machines to Natanz without specifying where at the site.

Grossi told a news conference on Thursday the workshop had been set up in "one of the halls" of the FEP. Diplomats say the plant is roughly three floors below ground, possibly to protect it from potential air strikes.

Until now Iran has used the FEP only for enrichment. It is the one facility where the 2015 nuclear deal with major powers allows Iran to produce enriched uranium, but only with its first-generation IR-1 centrifuges, which are far less efficient than Iran's more advanced models.

The latest development comes as the nuclear talks between Iran and world powers on a return to the 2015 deal continue to stall.

Iran has gradually scaled back its compliance with the 2015 deal, in response to former US President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the agreement in May of 2018, but has held several rounds of indirect talks with the US on a return to the agreement.

Negotiations nearly reached completion last month before Moscow demanded that its trade with Iran be exempted from Western sanctions over...