The European members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s recent actions to accelerate the production of high-enriched uranium, as reflected in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report.
According to the statement published on Tuesday, December 10, on the websites of the foreign ministries of Britain, France, and Germany, these three countries expressed concern over the increase in the number of centrifuges and Iran’s preparations to install new ones.
The IAEA’s recent report highlighted a significant acceleration in the enrichment of uranium to 60% purity at Iran’s Fordow facility.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on December 6 that Iran is increasing its production of 60% enriched uranium by at least eightfold.
The three European JCPOA members also referred to their meeting last week with Iran’s nuclear negotiation team regarding its nuclear program and sanctions, emphasizing that both sides reiterated their commitment to constructive dialogue and engagement.
They noted that during these talks, it was stressed that Iran’s actions further hollow out the JCPOA and increase its stockpile of enriched uranium, which lacks any credible civilian justification.
The statement urged Iran to reverse its recent actions and immediately halt its nuclear escalation.
In a confidential report on Friday, the IAEA specified that Iran plans to raise its monthly production of 60% enriched uranium at Fordow to over 34 kilograms, up from the previous rate of six kilograms per month at its two nuclear sites, including Fordow.
On November 22, the IAEA Board of Governors condemned the expansion of Iran’s nuclear activities, issuing a resolution demanding Tehran’s immediate cooperation with the agency and instructing the Director General to prepare a “comprehensive report” on Iran.
In response to this censure resolution, Iran announced it would activate advanced centrifuges.
Meanwhile, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller, responding to a journalist’s question yesterday about concerns over Iran moving toward nuclear weapons amidst its regional position weakening, said, “We remain concerned, but the United States is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.”
