Iran announced yesterday the resumption of uranium enrichment activities that were frozen, in an additional retreat from its obligations contained in the nuclear agreement with the major powers in 2015, while the European Union expressed its deep concern about Tehran's move, France called on Iran to reverse the resolution, Russia confirmed that it Anxiously monitors the development of the situation.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday that Iran would take a new step to reduce its obligations under the nuclear deal by pumping gas in 1044 centrifuges at Fordow Station south of Tehran after it was frozen under the nuclear deal, stressing that all steps taken by Iran to reduce its obligations Under the nuclear deal, signed in 2015, it can be reversed, and Tehran will fulfill all its obligations under the agreement, when the other signatories: France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China.
The measure, revealed by Rouhani, came a day after the expiry of a deadline set by Iran for its partners in the nuclear deal, to help it bypass the consequences of a unilateral US withdrawal from the agreement, last year.
During the first three phases of its response to the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran began producing enriched uranium above the 3.67% limit in the text, and exceeded the 300 kg limit for the under-enriched uranium stockpile.
On the other hand, the European Union expressed its "grave concern" over Tehran's announcement of resumption of frozen uranium enrichment activities. "We express our deep concern over the announcement by the Iranian president, which has reneged on the commitments it has made," said EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini. "We urge Iran not to take new measures that could further undermine the nuclear deal, which is becoming increasingly difficult to defend."
"We have said very clearly that our desire to fulfill our pledge depends on Iran's respect for its obligations," she said.
For its part, France called on Iran to reverse its recent decisions, and a spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry, Agnes von der Mol, told reporters: «Iran's announcement that it increases the capabilities of uranium enrichment, contrary to the Vienna agreement, and further undermine the agreement, we are waiting with our partners report Next IAEA on Iran's declarations and actions », she urged Iran to fully implement its obligations and cooperate fully with the IAEA.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "We are watching with concern the development of the situation, and we support the maintenance of this agreement, the collapse of the comprehensive plan of action, on Iran's nuclear program, does not bode well. Good.