Iran activates new nuclear site, warns of missile retaliation
Iran announced new nuclear countermeasures on Thursday, June 12, in response to a resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The resolution declared that Tehran is non-compliant with its non-proliferation obligations.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) confirmed that it has activated a third secure uranium enrichment facility. Iran says replacing its first-generation centrifuges with IR-6 machines at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant will significantly increase the country’s enriched uranium output, both in volume and efficiency.
According to the AEOI, Iran’s 60% enrichment output has already increased sevenfold compared to earlier cycles, with additional gains expected as new facilities come online.
Spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi called the IAEA resolution “coercive and unjust” and said Iran’s response is both strategic and technical.
“The more pressure is applied, the stronger Iran’s response will be,” Kamalvandi said during a visit to the Tehran Research Reactor.
Why did the IAEA issue a resolution against Iran?
The IAEA’s resolution represents the first formal censure of Iran in nearly two decades. Backed by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany, the resolution cited Tehran’s failure to cooperate on undeclared nuclear material at multiple sites. It passed with 19 votes in favor, three against and 11 abstentions.
Iran rejected the move as politically motivated. Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the AEOI issued a joint statement asserting that Iran has complied with its safeguards obligations and that IAEA reports have found no diversion of nuclear material.
How is the US responding?
President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. is withdrawing some diplomatic personnel from Iraq and authorizing military family members to leave multiple posts across the Middle East. The State Department cited “heightened regional tensions,” and the U.S. military said it stands ready to assist with evacuations if needed.
The partial evacuation includes voluntary departures from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Is Israel preparing to strike Iran?
U.S. and European officials say Israel appears ready to launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Trump to act while Iran remains vulnerable.
Trump previously discouraged military action in favor of nuclear negotiations, but recent developments have reportedly lowered his confidence in reaching a deal.
In response, Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned of a major retaliation if attacked — including strikes on all U.S. bases in the region using hundreds of ballistic missiles.
What is the status of US-Iran nuclear talks?
Talks are expected to resume in Oman within days. Iran rejected a recent U.S. proposal to phase out uranium enrichment and is preparing a counteroffer.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command leader General Michael Kurilla has postponed his congressional testimony amid the growing crisis. Iran maintains it is not seeking nuclear weapons. Its U.N. mission described recent U.S. military threats as destabilizing, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that further censure by the IAEA would provoke a strong reaction.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
