This file photo released Nov 5, 2019, by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), shows centrifuge machines in the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in central Iran.(ATOMIC ENERGY ORGANIZATION OF IRAN VIA AP, FILE)

TEHRAN - The spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said on Monday that the AEOI has been ordered to launch and inject gas into hundreds of new centrifuges, including IR-1 machines and advanced IR-6 ones.

Behrouz Kamalvandi said this move was in line with the implementation of a strategic law aimed at removing anti-Iran sanctions and safeguarding the interests of the Iranian nation,  official IRNA news agency reported.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has already been informed of the measure

The International Atomic Energy Agency has already been informed of the measure, the official noted.

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Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers including the United States in July 2015, agreeing to curb its nuclear program in return for the removal of sanctions on the country.

However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew Washington out of the JCPOA in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran, prompting the latter to drop some of its commitments under the pact. 

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