Iran acknowledges Israel’s tampering of centrifuge platforms using explosives

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

For the first time, a senior Iranian official has acknowledged Israel’s role in supplying Iran with centrifuge platforms containing explosives, specifically targeting Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.
He referenced the 2021 attack on Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear enrichment facility.
The comments were made in an interview intended to explain the challenges Iran faces under Western sanctions, especially regarding its nuclear program.

Impact of Israeli Sabotage:

The sabotage operations against Iran’s nuclear facilities have been attributed to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
In July 2020, a mysterious explosion at Natanz destroyed part of Iran’s advanced centrifuge assembly. Another explosion in April 2021 damaged one of its underground enrichment halls.
The sabotage was part of broader efforts by Israel to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s nuclear enrichment program:

Iran’s nuclear program began in the 1950s, with assistance from the United States under the Atoms for Peace initiative. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the program became more secretive and increasingly controversial.
Iran has periodically expanded its nuclear activities, including the construction of new reactors and expanding enrichment capabilities.
Iran has also enriched uranium at varying levels, including up to 20% purity, well above the 5% limit set for peaceful purposes. Uranium enriched to 90% is considered weapons-grade.
Since 2003, the IAEA has conducted regular inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities and has reported instances where Iran was found to have violated some agreements or lacked full transparency in reporting its nuclear activities.

Western Sanctions:

In response to concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, the UN, EU, and U.S. imposed a series of economic sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran to halt its uranium enrichment activities.
These sanctions affected Iran’s economy, particularly its oil exports and banking sector.

Iran Nuclear Deal:

A major development in the international effort to manage Iran’s nuclear program came in 2015 with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany).
Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67% and reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for reduced sanctions. Iran also agreed to provide the IAEA with greater access to its nuclear facilities and share more detailed information about its activities.
In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA, re-imposing harsh sanctions on Iran. Following this, Iran has expanded its nuclear program.