Uranium Enrichment is a process through which uranium is designed to make nuclear power or weapons. Many countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Netherlands, use this process for peaceful purposes, such as power generation. But why does Iran’s uranium enrichment program remain the center of controversies worldwide, while there is not much uproar on the programs of the rest of the countries?
What is uranium enhancement?
Uranium enhancement is the process in which the amount of uranium-235 (U-235) is increased. Natural uranium contains only 0.7% volume of U-235, which is extended with the help of centrifuge machines.
- Peaceful Uses: 3-5% enrichment is enough for atomic reactors, which are used in electricity.
- To make weapons: Nuclear weapons require up to 90% promotion, called weapon-grade uranium.
Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Netherlands limit their promotion to peaceful objectives. Follow international rules. But Iran’s program is in controversy for many reasons.
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Due to dispute over Iran’s uranium enrichment
1. High level enhancement
Iran has enhanced uranium up to 60% in recent years, which is much higher than the level (3-5%) required for peaceful use. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 60% of the 60% enrichment is seen only in countries that have the ability to make nuclear weapons.
Compare: Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Netherlands promote their uranium at a level below 5%, which is sufficient for nuclear reactors. These countries are promoted only for peaceful purposes. Lives under the supervision of IAEA.
Status of Iran: Iran can create arms-grade uranium (90%) in a few weeks by 60% of the promotion. IAEA estimates that Iran has more than 400 kg of 60% enriched uranium, which is enough to make 10 atomic bombs.
2. Secret activities and NPT violations
Iran kept its nuclear program secret several times, which broke the trust of the international community.
AMAD Project: By 2003, Iran secretly worked on nuclear weapons under the AMAD project, which was illegal.
Unannounced facilities: In 2009, Iran revealed the Fordow enrichment facility, but only when the Western intelligence agencies exposed it. According to IAEA, Iran should have announced such facilities earlier.
Non -cooperation with IAEA: Iran prevented IAEA inspectors several times from reaching their atomic bases. In 2025, IAEA found Iran guilty of not following its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.
Compare: Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Netherlands work perfectly under the supervision of IAEA. Follow the nuclear non -proliferation treaty (NPT). These countries never run the secret nuclear weapon program.
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3. Regional and geopolitical stress
Iran’s stressful relationship with Israel, Saudi Arabia and America in the Middle East makes its nuclear program controversial.
Rhetoric against Israel: Some Iran leaders talk about destroying Israel, which increases the apprehension that Iran’s nuclear program may be for military purposes.
Regional Danger: Israel, which is considered a country with itself nuclear weapons, considers Iran’s nuclear program a threat to itself. In 2025, Israel and the US attacked Iran’s atomic bases, in which centers such as Natanz and Fordo were damaged.
Support of terrorism: Western countries allege that Iran supports groups such as Hamas and Hizbullah, leading to further doubt on its nuclear program.
Compare: Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Netherlands have such a stressful relationship with any country. These countries are not considered a threat to regional or global stability.
4. Getting illegal technology
Iran acquired technology for its nuclear program illegally.
AQ Khan Network: Iran secretly bought Centrifuse technology from Pakistan’s AQ Khan Network and German companies, which was a violation of NPT.
Compare: Countries like Japan, Netherlands and Germany develop their technology in transparent and legal ways. Argentina and Brazil also developed their technology under international rules.
5. JCPOA and violation of restrictions
In 2015, Iran and world powers (P5+1: America, Britain, France, Russia, China, Germany) entered into a joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) agreement, in which Iran promised to limit its atomic program and accept the monitoring of IAEA. In return, the economic restrictions imposed on it were lifted.
America shrinking: In 2018, America re -banned Iran from JCPOA. In response, Iran began violating the terms of the agreement from 2019, such as increasing uranium stockpile 22 times and promoting 60%.
Compare: Other countries, such as Japan and Netherlands, fully follow the rules of NPT and IAEA. Do not violate any international agreement.
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6. Historical and cultural reasons
Iran considers its nuclear program a symbol of national pride and freedom. Iranian leaders say that uranium enrichment is their right, as they were suppressed by colonial powers.
National identity: Iran believes that nuclear technology will make him regional power. This approach causes conflict with Western countries, which considers it to be military ambition.
Compare: Countries like Japan and Netherlands limit their nuclear program only to energy production and do not connect it with national pride.
Comparison with other countries
- Argentina and Brazil: These South American countries keep their nuclear program transparent. Work under the supervision of IAEA. They have no military nuclear history.
- Japan: Japan, who has been a victim of nuclear weapons, only pays attention to peaceful nuclear power. It follows NPT and gives full support to IAEA.
- Netherlands: The Netherlands promotion program takes place under Urenco, which is an international group and completely transparent.
International pressure on Iran
restrictions: Iran has strict economic sanctions from the United Nations and the United States, affecting its economy. There are no such restrictions on other countries.
Military attacks: Israel and the US attacked Iran’s atomic bases (Natanj, Ford, Isfahan) in 2025, as they consider it a threat.
Strictness of IAEA: IAEA has repeatedly warned Iran to follow its nuclear obligations, but Iran opposed it.
