The European Union delegation at the Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Tuesday, March 4, stated in a declaration that preventing the Iranian regime from obtaining nuclear weapons is a “key security priority” for the EU.
According to the website of the EU delegation to the IAEA, the European Union called on all countries worldwide to support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA), adding that this agreement serves as the foundation for IAEA monitoring and reporting.
In its statement, the European Union expressed regret that “Iran has not made the necessary decisions to return to its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA” and emphasized that “Iran’s unabated nuclear advances over the last five years are of utmost concern.”
The statement also highlighted that “the risk of a nuclear proliferation crisis in the region” is increasing due to the Iranian regime’s ongoing nuclear activities.
Iranian Regime Accelerates Uranium Enrichment to Concerning Levels
The EU delegation stated that its member states remain committed to a diplomatic solution to address this issue and noted that Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Moldova, and Ukraine are also aligned with the EU’s statement.
The European Union, expressing deep concern over the alarming expansion of the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, stressed that Iran has significantly deviated from its commitments under the JCPOA. It further stated that it is particularly concerned about the substantial increase in the production and stockpiling of highly enriched uranium, as well as the expansion of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities and operations.
Prior to this, Howard Solomon, the acting U.S. representative at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, had expressed deep concern over the acceleration of the Iranian regime’s nuclear program and emphasized that the United States would not yield to Iran’s actions.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the Board of Governors on Monday, March 3, that the Iranian regime had increased its stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to 275 kilograms.
The IAEA Director General described the Iranian regime as the only non-nuclear state that has engaged in uranium enrichment to this level and called it a serious cause for concern.
The European Union delegation to the IAEA, in its statement, pointed out that the Iranian regime has halted the implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA and added that “For four years, the Agency has been unable to carry out several key JCPOA-related verification and monitoring activities.”
The statement expressed concern that the Iranian regime is the only non-nuclear state in the world that systematically produces and stockpiles highly enriched uranium. It urged Iran to change its concerning nuclear trajectory and immediately fulfill its commitments.
The European Union also “urges Iran to return to the provisional implementation of the Additional Protocol, to ratify it, and to resume implementation of all JCPOA-related monitoring and verification measures,” which Iranian regime officials claim to be peaceful.
The statement emphasized the necessity of full cooperation with the IAEA and affirmed that the European Union fully supports the Agency’s efforts to continue its long-term mission regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
