Iran is attempting to complete the manufacture and installation of 1,000 IR6 advanced centrifuges for its nuclear development program, according to Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Addressing a May 17 conference at Reichman University, Gantz said Iran was placing the centrifuges in various locations, including in a new underground facility it was building near the existing central enrichment facility in the central Iran town of Natanz.

“Iran stands just a few weeks away from accumulating fissile material that will be sufficient for a first bomb, holds 60 kilograms of enriched material at 60%, produces metallic uranium at the enrichment level of 20% and prevents the IAEA from accessing its facilities,” he added.

Gantz’s remarks reflect Israel’s latest intelligence assessments to the effect that Iran is taking advantage of the stalled negotiations with world powers on the future of its nuclear program to continue advancing the project. Israel reportedly believes the advanced centrifuges are designed for a nuclear breakout at some point and uranium enrichment to 90% military-grade level within a short time.

In light of these Iranian activities, Israel is seriously concerned about the lack of progress in the Vienna negotiations. Despite objections to the current version of the agreement, Israel had long been hoping for a speedy signature of the document, which would have at least set back the Iranian program until such time as Israel completes its preparations to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.