Iranian Ratchets-Up Nuclear Production in Violation of Agreement

Tehran continues to make good on its promise to violate the nuclear development agreement with its announcement that it has put another thirty IR-6 centrifuges on-line. Experts estimate the new additions will increase production six to ten times. Despite three rounds of increases in aspects of development, Tehran appears not willing to cross the threshold where the only possible use could be building nuclear weapons. The announcement comes against the background of a standoff between President Trump and Iran, with the President trying to bring President Rohani to the table but the Iranian refusing to meet until all American sanctions have been lifted. At the same time, Iran’s big distraction is the mass demonstrations in Lebanon and Iraq – and the fear that Iran could be next. The Iranians are claiming that the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia are fomenting disunity in all of the affected states.