TEHRAN: Iran is steadfast in defending its nuclear facilities against any threats, Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami stated following a Cabinet meeting in Tehran. Eslami emphasized the nation’s high-level defense and security capabilities as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

According to Trend News Agency, Eslami acknowledged the persistent threats to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but assured that the country is well-prepared to counter them. The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have sparked discussions about potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iranian officials to explore various protective measures.

The backdrop of these developments includes the implementation of the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action (JCPOA) in January 2016 by Iran and the P5+1 group, comprising the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, to regulate Iran’s nuclear activities. However, the situation shifted in May 2
018 when the United States withdrew from the agreement, reinstating sanctions on Iran.

In response to these sanctions, the Iranian parliament enacted a strategic plan in late 2020 to enhance its nuclear sector, resulting in the suspension of certain additional steps and the Additional Protocol under the JCPOA. This move subsequently reduced the monitoring capabilities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by 20-30 percent, complicating international oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities.