05/01/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday, 5 January, European External Action Service spokesman Peter Stano noted [that the EU was] “highly concerned” [by] the measures taken by Iran the day before to increase the enrichment level of its uranium to 20%—confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (see EUROPE 12628/8)—stating once again that they constitute a “significant departure” from Iran’s commitments and that they will have “serious implications when it comes to nuclear nonproliferation”. “In spite this regrettable action, important elements of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in particular the strict verification and transparency measures, remain in place”, the spokesman explained. “We will redouble our efforts to preserve the agreement and return to its full implementation by all parties”, he promised, even though participants had reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the JCPOA on 21 December (see EUROPE 12627/7). (CG)