IAEA: Iran Halts Disputed Centrifuge Testing Program

Netanyahu Dismisses Move as Another Iranian Plot

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed that Iran has been abiding by both the letter and spirit of the interim P5+1 nuclear deal.

That doesn’t mean there haven’t been western complaints, mostly centered on the deal’s ambiguity over centrifuge testing. The deal allowed testing to continue, but many complained Iran was making improvements in the research centrifuges beyond what they’d anticipated.

Now, the IAEA is confirming that Iran has halted the introduction of more efficient centrifuge models into their testing track, meaning that one disputed term is no longer an issue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded harshly to the news, having promised to sabotage the P5+1 talks. He insisted the IAEA is being duped by Iran, and that Iran continues to refuse to openly say they’re seeking nuclear weapons, proving in his mind they’re being dishonest.

Yet Western intelligence officials have repeatedly said they believe Iran abandoned any active weapons program long ago. Even the intelligence on the old program is rife with problems, including the CIA planting evidence, which is forcing a total rethink of the investigation.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.