Statement from the U.S. and Three European Powers: We Condemn Iran's Acceleration of Enrichment

The four countries of the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom condemned Iran's increase in the speed and volume of enriched uranium production at 60% purity. In a joint statement released on Thursday, January 7, by the U.S. State Department, the "tripling" of monthly production of 60% enriched uranium at the Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites was described as a "setback" for Iran. The four countries emphasized that this action by Iran has no credible civilian justification and stated, "We condemn this action." They called for an immediate halt to these actions and for Iran to de-escalate its nuclear program. They also noted that the production of 60% enriched uranium at the two enrichment facilities, Fordow and the experimental site, poses significant risks due to enrichment. These four Western countries recalled the discovery of cascades at the Fordow nuclear site by the Agency last February, pointing to Iran's resumption of using similar cascades. The joint statement emphasized that Iran's delay in informing about these cascades last January raised serious doubts about Iran's willingness for complete transparency in cooperation with the Agency. The four countries, the U.S., France, Germany, and the UK, viewed Iran's recent decisions as a sign of the country's lack of goodwill in de-escalation and described it as reckless behavior in a tense regional context. They reiterated their call for an immediate halt to these actions and for Iran to de-escalate its nuclear program, stating that Iran's full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is essential for ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. The joint statement also requested Iran to allow the continuation of the suspended inspectors' activities of the Agency. The four countries reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution and their determination to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The IAEA announced on Tuesday, January 5, that the Islamic Republic of Iran has once again increased the speed and volume of its 60% enriched uranium production. Following the release of this report, the spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House expressed deep concern over the increase in high-enriched uranium production in Iran. Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, described the reactions to the Agency's report as "media hype" aimed at "diverting public opinion" from Gaza.