IAEA Confirms Iran Operating 1,300 Centrifuges

International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors have confirmed through firsthand observation that Iran has over 1,300 centrifuges in operation, a diplomat close to the organization told ABC News.

The finding, noted in an April 18 letter from the IAEA to Iran, confirms earlier ABC News reporting that Iran had drastically increased its capacity to enrich uranium, which can be used for reactor fuel at low levels of enrichment or for nuclear weapons at much higher levels.

In the letter, the IAEA wrote that Iran has claimed to have "eight cascades" operating at the Natanz fuel enrichment plant. Each cascade consists of 164 centrifuges, bringing to just over 1,300 the number of centrifuges Iran is operating. IAEA inspectors have been into the underground cascade halls and seen the centrifuges, the diplomat told ABC News.

With each passing day, Iran gains more technical competence in operating the centrifuges and the capability to enrich uranium to weapons grade becomes ever more likely.