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Iran will activate a “noticeable number” of advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium to accelerate the country’s nuclear program, officials announced over the weekend, a move that comes in response to criticism by a United Nations’ nuclear watchdog over Tehran’s lack of cooperation with its probes, CNN reported.

On Thursday, the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution that highlighted Iran’s failure to provide credible explanations for uranium particles found at undeclared sites, and called for a comprehensive report on its nuclear activities by spring 2025.

The IAEA urged Tehran to fully cooperate, citing growing concerns over the potential diversion of nuclear materials.

Western nations have warned that Iran now possesses enough uranium enriched to 60 percent purity – a level close to weapons-grade – to create four nuclear weapons.

Iran dismissed the resolution as “politically motivated,” attributing it to pressure from Western nations, France 24 wrote. Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA, Mohsen Naziri Asl, criticized the resolution’s “low support” compared with previous censures.

In a joint statement, Iran’s foreign ministry and Atomic Energy Organization said the new centrifuges align with the country’s “peaceful nuclear energy” goals and are within its legal rights.

IAEA director general Rafael Grossi previously lauded Iran’s recent agreement to cap its stockpile of 60 percent-enriched uranium, calling it a “step in the right direction.” However, he warned that further escalation could undermine progress.

The announcement comes amid continuing tensions following the collapse of a 2015 nuclear deal after the United States withdrew in 2018.

Tehran subsequently ramped up enrichment activities and curtailed IAEA monitoring.

Analysts warned Iran’s move to activate advanced centrifuges could further heighten tensions with the West and Israel, whose Defense Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the IAEA resolution.