Iran announced a series of new nuclear measures on Thursday following a critical resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that accused Tehran of failing to comply with safeguards and transparency obligations. In defiance, Iran will begin constructing a new uranium enrichment site in a “secure location” and upgrade thousands of older centrifuges with faster, more advanced models at its Fordow underground facility.

The joint statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization denounced the IAEA’s move as politically motivated. “This resolution is a provocation,” the statement read.

Escalation Amid Diplomatic Breakdown and Military Threats

The IAEA resolution—backed by 19 of 35 member states—was introduced by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against it, while the remainder abstained. While it stopped short of referring Iran to the UN Security Council, it opened the door for potential “snapback” sanctions by August if no progress is made.

Iran warned that if sanctions are reinstated, it may withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a move that would dismantle the last guardrails of the current nuclear framework.

Talks in Oman, But Hopes Diminish

These developments come ahead of a crucial round of nuclear talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Diplomats fear failure in these negotiations could trigger an Israeli military strike followed by massive retaliation from Iran, accelerating a march toward regional conflict.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened to relocate enriched nuclear material to secret sites to protect them from a potential Israeli attack.

Nuclear Brinkmanship Returns

The U.S. has recently relocated personnel from parts of the Middle East, preparing for potential fallout. While Iran has not yet raised enrichment levels beyond the current 60%, officials have not ruled out further escalatory steps.

This is the first IAEA censure resolution against Iran in two decades, and the geopolitical stakes are sharply rising once again.