Le Drian: Iran's Action to Increase Enrichment is Close to a Red Line

The French Foreign Minister says Iran's action to develop uranium enrichment capacity is close to a 'red line' but still within the framework of the JCPOA. Ayatollah Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, ordered on June 4 in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the return of sanctions that the Atomic Energy Organization 'quickly prepare the necessary arrangements to reach 190,000 SWU' within the framework of the JCPOA. Following this action, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the French Foreign Minister, said on Wednesday, June 16, to Europe 1 radio: 'This is not a good path. This action indicates a kind of provocation.' The French Foreign Minister added: 'Playing with red lines is always dangerous, but the decision made... is completely within the framework of the Vienna agreement.' After the Trump administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA and its decision to reinstate unilateral sanctions against Iran, the European Union is trying to prevent the collapse of this international agreement. However, due to the intertwined nature of the U.S. banking system with other countries, including European countries, continuing business activities with Iran will be difficult. On the other hand, companies that do business with the U.S. do not want to lose the U.S. market. Due to fears of U.S. sanctions, several major European companies have announced that they are halting their activities in Iran. The leader of the Islamic Republic reiterated on June 4 his 'distrust' of European countries and stated that Iran will not accept both 'nuclear imprisonment' and sanctions simultaneously. Europeans have also warned that if Iran withdraws from the JCPOA, all nuclear sanctions approved by the Security Council will be re-implemented. Jean-Yves Le Drian, in another part of his interview with Europe 1 radio, said: 'If the Iranians go to a higher level (of enrichment), yes, this agreement will be violated, but they should know that if they do so, they will expose themselves to new sanctions, and the Europeans will not remain passive.' The French Foreign Minister's remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Europe to undermine the JCPOA, called on France on Tuesday to focus on Iran's 'regional hegemony.' The Israeli Prime Minister said it is no longer necessary to encourage Paris to withdraw from the JCPOA because, according to him, economic pressure on Iran will lead to the collapse of this agreement.