France, Germany, Britain and the United States (US), Thursday (28/12), condemned Iran’s increase in production of uranium enriched to a purity level of 60 percent, close to the level used to fuel nuclear weapons.
In a joint statement, the allies did not say what consequences Iran might face for the production increase. However, it called for a reversal, saying it “remains committed to a diplomatic solution” to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program.
“Iran’s production of highly enriched uranium has no credible civil justification,” the statement said. “This decision represents reckless behavior in a tense regional context.”
Iranian Proxies Step Up Attacks in the Red Sea
Since the start of Israel’s offensive against the Hamas militant group, which rules Gaza, Iran-backed proxies have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea and on US troops in Iraq and Syria. This quickly increased tensions in the region.
Israel launched the operation in Gaza in response to the bloody attack carried out by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 which killed 1,200 residents.
The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency flies in front of the organization’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria, February 6, 2023. (Photo: Heinz-Peter Bader/AP Photo, archive)
In a report released last Tuesday (26/12), the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) said Iran had changed its policy by enriching uranium production to 60 percent purity.
“We condemn these actions, which will exacerbate the ongoing escalation of Iran’s nuclear program,” the statement added.
Iran Rejects IAEA Report
Iran on Wednesday (27/12) rejected the IAEA report as “nothing new.” Iran says it is carrying out the program “according to the rules.”
Iran already has enough uranium with a purity level of 60 prtdrn. According to the IAEA’s theoretical definition, if continuously enriched to a purity level of 90% percent, it could be used to make three nuclear bombs.
Iran has repeatedly denied seeking to build a nuclear bomb.
Britain, France and Germany remain signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Former US president Donald Trump reneged on the agreement in 2018, prompting Iran to gradually violate previously agreed restrictions. (em/hour)