Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jun 1: Iran warned on Sunday that it would retaliate if European powers—Britain, France, and Germany—move to reimpose nuclear-related sanctions after a UN report revealed that Tehran has significantly ramped up its uranium enrichment.
The confidential report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), seen by AFP, states that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% now stands at 9,247.6 kilograms—over 45 times the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal. That level is alarmingly close to the 90% enrichment needed for nuclear weapons.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he informed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi that Iran would “respond to any inappropriate action by the European parties” if they exploit the report to advance political agendas. The European trio has threatened to reimpose sanctions if Iran’s program threatens regional security.
The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to review the findings during its quarterly meeting in Vienna, which starts on June 9.
Iran rejected the report’s findings, maintaining that its uranium enrichment is intended solely for civilian energy needs and not for developing nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Iran and the United States continue, with Araghchi confirming receipt of “elements” of a US proposal mediated by Oman. The New York Times reported that the proposal includes demands that Iran cease uranium enrichment entirely and suggests forming a regional nuclear energy group including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states, plus the US.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington’s proposal is “detailed and acceptable” and urged Iran to accept it.
The nuclear deal, struck in 2015, had imposed strict enrichment limits in exchange for sanctions relief. That deal collapsed in 2018 after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US and reimposed sanctions under a “maximum pressure” campaign, prompting Iran to exceed enrichment limits.
Under the agreement, a “snapback” provision allows UN sanctions to be reinstated if Iran fails to meet its commitments—a provision that expires in October.