Today the E3 governments of the UK, France, Germany released a statement noting “with grave concern” the “recent confirmation by the IAEA that Iran is producing uranium metal in violation” of the Iran nuclear deal.
The statement said that “Under the JCPoA, Iran committed not to engage in producing or acquiring uranium metal or to conduct research and development on uranium metallurgy for 15 years”.
It added: “We reiterate that Iran has no credible civilian justification for these activities, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon”.
“We strongly urge Iran to halt these activities without delay and not to take any new non-compliant steps on its nuclear programme. In escalating its non-compliance, Iran is undermining the opportunity for renewed diplomacy to fully realise the objectives of the JCPOA”.
Samples taken by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) staff members from two nuclear sites have indicated that traces of radioactive material exist, three diplomats with knowledge of the matter told the Wall Street Journal this week.
