The governments of France, Germany and the United
Kingdom respond to Iran's announcement that it will start uranium
enrichment up to 60%.
Statement from the governments of France, Germany, and the UK:
The governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the
E3) note with grave concern the announcement by Iran that it
will start uranium enrichment up to 60% using advanced
centrifuges as Iran communicated to the IAEA on 13 April.
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.
We also express our concern at the news that Iran plans to
install 1000 additional centrifuges at Natanz, which will
significantly increase Iran’s enrichment capacity.
Iran’s announcements are particularly regrettable given they
come at a time when all JCPoA participants and the United
States have started substantive discussions, with the objective
of finding a rapid diplomatic solution to revitalize and
restore the JCPoA. Iran’s dangerous recent communication is
contrary to the constructive spirit and good faith of these
discussions.
In light of recent developments, we reject all escalatory
measures by any actor and call upon Iran not to further
complicate the diplomatic process.
