The governments of Britain, Germany and France, on Tuesday, condemned the steps taken by Iran to “expand its nuclear program.”
“The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom condemn Iran’s recent steps, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, to expand its nuclear programme,” said a joint statement issued by the three countries and published on the British government’s website.
“By increasing its production capacities at Fordow and Natanz, exceeding the limits permitted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the nuclear deal), and by accelerating its production of enriched uranium, Iran has taken other major steps in emptying the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action of its content,” the statement added. .
The statement continued: “Of particular concern is Iran’s decision to increase its production of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in the underground facility at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.”
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“Iran’s move represents a challenge to the global (nuclear) non-proliferation regime,” he said. “This step, which entails significant proliferation risks, has no credible civil justification.”
The statement went on to say, “Iran’s actions have become more worrisome since Iran stopped implementing all transparency measures related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 5 months ago.”
The statement considered the recent Iranian escalation as “unacceptable,” adding that “Iran is legally bound by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to fully implement its safeguards agreement.”
“We will continue to consult with our international partners on the best way to deal with the ongoing Iranian nuclear escalation,” he concluded.
Earlier today, Iranian state media said the country had begun enriching uranium to 60 percent purity at the Fordow nuclear site.
The semi-official Iranian Student News Agency said, “Iran informed in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s letter that it had begun enriching uranium to a purity of 60% at the Fordow site.”
