U.S. State Department: We are deeply concerned about the escalation of Iran's nuclear tensions

On Friday, the United States expressed serious concern regarding Iran's nuclear activities, stating: "We are deeply concerned about the continued escalation of tensions by the Islamic Republic and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The production and stockpiling of uranium enriched to 60% has no credible civilian justification." These remarks were part of the response from the U.S. State Department spokesperson to the Persian section of Voice of America, reacting to comments made by Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA. Grossi had reported a significant increase in enriched uranium by the Islamic Republic in an interview with Reuters. The spokesperson added: "As we have stated clearly many times, Iran must begin full cooperation with the Agency without any delay." He continued: "The United States is closely coordinating with its three European partners (Britain, France, and Germany) and the IAEA to ensure Iran's full compliance with its safeguards obligations and to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its non-compliance." According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson: "President (Joe Biden) and Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) have clearly stated that the United States will ensure that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. We are prepared to use all national power tools to achieve this goal." Rafael Grossi, who was in Manama, Bahrain for the 'Manama Dialogue' security summit, stated in an interview with Reuters: "Iran's capacity to produce 60% enriched uranium is significantly increasing." He explained that the production rate, which was previously 5 to 7 kilograms per month, has now increased to "seven to eight times or even more." According to an IAEA report, which was seen by Reuters, the production of 60% enriched uranium at the Fordow facility has reached over 34 kilograms per month. Additionally, the Islamic Republic has announced that it will now use 20% enriched uranium instead of 5% enriched uranium in two cascades of centrifuges at Fordow. The IAEA report warned that these changes could affect the intensity and frequency of the Agency's mandatory inspections of the Fordow facility. Grossi's new statements come after he announced last month, following a trip to Tehran, that Iran had accepted his "request" to limit its 60% enriched uranium stockpile. Grossi had described this action by Iran as "a tangible step in the right direction." However, some diplomats indicated that Iran's action was conditional on the non-issuance of a resolution by the Board of Governors. On Thursday, December 1, 1403 (Persian calendar), the IAEA Board of Governors condemned the Islamic Republic's lack of cooperation and secrecy in its nuclear activities through a resolution. This action has intensified international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear activities.