The German, French and British governments – the E3 – have noted with “grave concern” on Wednesday 14 April, the announcement made by Iran the previous day as communicated to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it would start uranium enrichment up to 60% using advanced centrifuges by way of response to the Natanz incident. Iran believes that it was Israeli sabotage (see EUROPE 12696/24).
“This is a serious development since the production of highly enriched uranium constitutes an important step in the production of a nuclear weapon. Iran has no credible civilian need for enrichment at this level”, said the E3 in a statement.
They also expressed their concerns about Iran’s plan to install 1,000 additional centrifuges in Natanz, “which will significantly increase Iran's enrichment capacity”.
“Iran’s announcements are particularly regrettable given they come at a time when all participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) and the United States have started substantive discussions, with the objective of finding a rapid diplomatic solution to revitalise and restore the JCPoA”, said the governments, rejecting “all escalatory measures by any actor”.
Paris, Berlin and London have therefore called on Iran to not further complicate the diplomatic process, stating that the country’s recent communication is contrary to the constructive spirit and good faith of the talks in Vienna. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)