Iran says it is advancing research on uranium metal production with the aim of feeding a research reactor in Tehran.
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s Atomic Energy Group has called on a global nuclear watchdog to curb “misunderstandings” after three European powers warned of the country’s impending nuclear program.
As required by a law approved by Iran’s parliament in early December, the country’s nuclear group has five months to prepare for the production of uranium metal – an element that provides the nuclear fuel used to generate electricity. their nuclear power stations.
In a statement on Saturday, France, Germany and Britain – the three European signatories to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers – said “Tehran’s plans to deploy uranium metal have a potential military impact”. and the result is no “credible civil practice”.
“We strongly urge Iran to suspend its operations and return to compliance with their JCPOA commitments without further delay if it is serious about the introduction of the contract,” he said. by reference to the formal name of the contract, the Joint Integrated Action Plan.
‘Unnecessary details’
His statement came after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran had said it was advancing research on uranium metal production with the aim of feeding a research reactor in Tehran.
“We hope that the IAEA will prevent the creation of misunderstandings by mentioning unnecessary details in its reports,” the agency said.
As part of the 2015 treaty, signed by the United States, China and Russia, Iran agreed to a 15-year ban on the manufacture or acquisition of uranium metals, among other things. He received sanctions relief as a result.
But one year after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from that deal in May 2018 and imposed harsh sanctions, Iran gradually suspended its promises under the agreement.
In November last year, Iran’s chief nuclear and military scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated, reducing tensions and forcing Iran’s parliament to pass the law calling for further promises under the agreement to whether sanctions will be lifted.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who has pledged to revive the nuclear deal he helped seal under former president Barack Obama, has until Feb. 21 to return to the treaty before Iran further nuclear activity and calls on IAEA inspectors to leave the country.