BRUSSELS, Belgium (CU)_The European Union said on Tuesday (Jan 5) that it would redouble its efforts to rescue the Iran nuclear deal, despite Tehran’s recent breach of commitments by resuming 20 percent uranium enrichment.
EU spokesman Peter Stano said that while Iran’s actions “will have serious implications” however, the 27-nation bloc would increase its efforts to ensure all parties adhere to commitments made under the agreement, since it is in everyone’s interest to rescue the deal.
Under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and a group of world powers, including the United States, Tehran is banned from not only enriching uranium but also bringing uranium to the Fordow site for 15 years since the beginning of the Accord.
However, the recent move, which puts Iran just a step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%, is considered to be one of the series of nuclear activities carried out by Tehran following the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the deal in 2018.
Nevertheless, this recent breach of the agreement could complicate the Biden administration’s plans to restart nuclear talks with Iran.
Tehran’s decision a decade ago to begin enriching to 20% purity, almost triggered an Israeli strike targeting nuclear facilities in Iran, which was only abated with the 2015 deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his government’s action was “fully reversible” if other countries party to the agreement also fully complied with their commitments.
