European powers blast Iran's 'troubling' nuclear violations
The United Kingdom, France and Germany urged Iran to return to the negotiating table following reports the country has accelerated its nuclear program.
The United Kingdom, France and Germany expressed their “grave concern” over Iran’s reported increase in uranium metal and production of enriched uranium, warning that time is running out to negotiate a return to the Iranian nuclear agreement.
The United Nation’s atomic watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) — told member states this week Iran had enriched uranium up to 60% using two centrifuge cascades at its Natanz facility. The IAEA also said Tehran had manufactured 200 grams of uranium metal up to 20% fissile purity.
“Both are key steps in the development of a nuclear weapon, and Iran has no credible civilian need for either measure,” the three European countries, known as the E3, said in a statement.
The actions come as Washington works to salvage the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. Under the multilateral pact, Iran agreed to limits on its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
