The European Union urges Iran to return to abide by the nuclear agreement signed with the great powers

The European Union is urging Iran to return to compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal and is wary of launching technical measures to increase uranium purification, says Josep Borrell, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

Iran’s intention to purify 20% uranium at the Fordow underground nuclear complex is a “serious measure” that generates “deep concerns”, “with very severe proliferation implications,” says Joseph Borrell, according to the Associated Press.

“At this critical time, Iran’s actions risk undermining efforts made to advance the current diplomatic process. We urge Iran to refrain from escalating the crisis and back off work without delay,” said Josep Borrell, stressing that “cooperation with Tehran with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

“The European Union looks forward to working with the future US administration on this issue,” said Josep Borrell.

A week ago, the European Commission expressed its regret over Iran’s decision to launch technical measures to increase uranium purification, stressing the importance of preserving the 2015 nuclear agreement. “We are extremely concerned about the measures taken by Iran. A breach of Iran’s obligations will have serious repercussions,” a European Commission spokesperson said. The situation is regrettable and it is very important that we preserve the nuclear deal. ”

On January 4, the Iranian administration announced the resumption of uranium purification activities by 20%, in violation of the nuclear agreement signed with the great powers. Enriched uranium can be used as fuel for reactors, but also to manufacture atomic weapons. Uranium intended for atomic weapons must have a concentration of at least 90%.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again accused Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons. “Iran’s decision to continue violating its obligations to intensify uranium enrichment activities in underground industrial units can only be explained by the desire to achieve the goal of a military nuclear program. Israel will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons,” Benjamin Netanyahu warned.

The International Atomic Energy Agency recently called for clarification from Iran about suspicious activity at a nuclear complex. According to an evaluation report, the International Atomic Energy Agency considers the information provided by Tehran on activities at a nuclear complex “technically unlikely.” The Tehran administration continues to accumulate stocks of purified uranium in an amount more than 12 times the limit allowed under the nuclear agreement signed with the great powers. Iran has intensified its uranium storage activities in response to the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal signed by the major powers with Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has said that Joseph Biden’s victory in the presidential election gives the United States a chance to fix “mistakes of the past.” Hassan Rouhani said, “Our goal is to reduce the pressure of sanctions affecting our people. Every time we have the opportunity, we act responsibly.” If the US sanctions are lifted, Iran intends to return to full compliance with its international obligations.

Relations between the United States and Iran have been strained due to Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic activities. Washington is not satisfied with Iran’s influence in some Middle Eastern countries. President Donald Trump announced in 2018 the United States would withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions. France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany maintain the atomic agreement with Iran. Joseph Biden, the president-elect of the United States, considers withdrawing from the nuclear agreement with Iran a mistake, indicating that he wants to return to this treaty.