France, Germany and the United Kingdom are very concerned about Iran’s uranium enrichment

BERLIN, Aug. 19 (Reuters) – France, Germany and Britain on Thursday expressed serious concern over reports that Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment to the point of arms, saying it was a serious breach of their commitments.

At a time when the West and Iran want to resume talks on reactivating a nuclear deal, the UN atomic energy watchdog said in a report seen by Reuters that Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment. Read more

In a joint statement, the three countries said they were concerned about IAEA reports confirming that Iran has produced uranium-enriched metal up to 20% fissile purity for the first time and has raised production capacity. 60% enriched uranium.

Both are key steps in the development of a nuclear weapon, they said.

Uranium metal can be used to convert the core of a nuclear bomb, but Iran says its targets are peaceful and that it is developing reactor fuel.

“Iran must stop without delay activities that violate the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPoA),” the joint statement from the three foreign ministries said.

“We urge Iran to return to negotiations in Vienna as soon as possible with a view to reaching a speedy and successful conclusion. We have repeatedly insisted that time is no one’s business,” they added.

Accelerated enrichment is Iran’s latest step in breaching the restrictions imposed by a 2015 nuclear deal, which limited the purity to which Tehran can refine uranium.

The United States and its European allies have said these moves threaten talks to revive the deal, which is currently suspended.

Written by Madeline Chambers; Edited by Douglas Busvine and Gareth Jones

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