Iran advancing capabilities and rate of production, says Israeli DM
“At the Fordow underground site , Iran’s enrichment rate has tripled in the last year,” said Gantz during meetings at the UN headquarters in New York
Ganz during a meeting at the UN. Photo: Nir Arieli
Israeli Minister of Defense, Benny Gantz, held a series meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York, in an attempt to stop the resurrection of the nuclear deal of Iran. Gantz, together with Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, and other officials, met with Secretary General Antonio Guterres and with U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Minister Gantz also held a briefing for UN Security Council Ambassadors and representatives of the Abraham Accord signatories, on the occasion of the two-year anniversary of the accords. He presented evidence that Iran is advancing its nuclear program.
“The number 1 cause for instability and terror in the Middle East is Iran. Iranian activities spread terror and could even spark an arms race. I am here because I believe that together we can prevent it – and the time to act is now,” said Gantz.
“Iranian regional and global terror – whether it comes from Iran proper or via well-funded proxies - threatens our economies, energy resources, food security, trade, freedom of navigation and overall peace and stability. This will only worsen if Iran will have a nuclear umbrella.”
“Israeli intelligence confirms international reports that Iran is progressing its nuclear program. Over the past year, Iran has steadily increased its production of hundreds of centrifuges, which will enable enrichment to high levels. In fact, according to our assessments, in the past year the number of advanced centrifuges has more than doubled in the underground facilities of Natanz and Fordow.
“Iran is not only advancing in its capabilities, but also in its rate of production. At the Fordow underground site – where I remind you that the JCPOA prohibits activities – Iran’s enrichment rate has tripled in the last year. The international community must unite. We need powerful and decisive action.”
Minister Gantz also addressed the “open files” issue: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the open files. We cannot give Iran a free pass and we, the international community deserve answers. A thorough investigation of the three undeclared sites will enable us to demand high-level inspections. The IAEA must remain a professional and independent organization.”
Regarding the maritime negotiations with Lebanon, Minister Gantz said: “In the end there will be two gas rigs, one Israeli and one Lebanese. The question is whether we can reach this scenario without an unnecessary escalation as a result of Hezbollah threats. The state of Israel is interested in progressing maritime border negotiations with Lebanon.”