France, UK call on Iran to halt nuclear escalation
France, the UK, and Germany have called on Iran to “immediately halt its nuclear escalation” following reports by the UN nuclear watchdog about a significant increase in Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities.
France, the UK, and Germany have called on Iran to “immediately halt its nuclear escalation” following reports by the UN nuclear watchdog about a significant increase in Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities.
In a joint statement released TuesdayIn a joint statement released Tuesday, the three nations condemned Iran’s latest moves to expand its nuclear program, with concerns rising over the potential for further advancement towards nuclear weapons capability.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has revamped its enrichment plant at Fordo, located south of Tehran. These changes, according to the IAEA, would “significantly increase the rate of production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent,” edging closer to the 90 percent purity required for nuclear weapons. The IAEA report sent alarm bells ringing, as Iran continues to enrich uranium at levels not seen in non-nuclear states.
Britain, France, and Germany, who have been involved in diplomatic talks with Iran alongside the United States, urged Tehran to reverse its steps and cease its nuclear escalation immediately. The European powers emphasized that they had met with Iranian diplomats in Geneva the previous week to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, reaffirming their commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear activities are aimed solely at peaceful purposes, denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA’s findings are stirring fears, as Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent purity. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told AFP that the expansion of Iran’s enrichment efforts signals a clear response to international pressure.
In response to an IAEA resolution last month that criticized Tehran for insufficient cooperation, Iran announced plans to deploy “new and advanced” centrifuges. This development comes after the country faced two censure motions at the IAEA’s 35-nation board this year, with the latest resolution pushed by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
The European powers warned that Iran’s actions are further eroding the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), the nuclear deal that was supposed to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. The situation remains tense as Iran’s nuclear escalation raises concerns over the future of the deal and regional stability.
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