Iran has allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to increase inspections of its nuclear program, as confirmed by state media on Saturday.

The country’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, stated that with increased capacity, it is natural for the number of inspections to also increase.

Eslami emphasized that changes in nuclear activities and materials will naturally affect monitoring levels. This announcement followed an IAEA report revealing that Iran had agreed to enhanced monitoring.

Specifically, Iran agreed to increase the frequency and intensity of safeguards measures at the Fordo enrichment plant near Tehran.

The IAEA report also noted that Iran had upgraded Fordo to boost uranium production up to 60%, though Iran maintains that its nuclear energy pursuits are for peaceful purposes only.

Eslami reiterated that Iran has always allowed IAEA monitoring within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and safeguard agreements, without creating obstacles.

Last month, Iran announced plans to introduce new centrifuges in response to IAEA criticism, prompting condemnation from Britain, France, and Germany.

These European powers warned of the possibility of restoring UN sanctions against Iran to prevent further nuclear development.

Tensions over Iran’s nuclear program have escalated since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal under President Donald Trump. The deal had offered sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.