JEDDAH — Three major European powers, who are also signatories of the Iranian nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), have expressed grave concern over Iran's announcement to raise uranium enrichment to 60 percent. Known as the E3, FranceGermany and the United Kingdom said that this is a serious development since the production of highly enriched uranium constitutes an important step in the production of a nuclear weapon. Iran has no credible civilian need for enrichment at this level. "We also express our concern at the news that Iran plans to install 1,000 additional centrifuges at Natanz, which will significantly increase Iran's enrichment capacity," the statement read. Slamming the Iranian move, the E3 said: "Iran's announcements are particularly regrettable given they come at a time when all JCPoA participants and the United States have started substantive discussions, with the objective of finding a rapid diplomatic solution to revitalize and restore the JCPoA. Iran's dangerous recent communication is contrary to the constructive spirit and good faith of these discussions." "In light of recent developments, we reject all escalatory measures by any actor and call upon Iran not to further complicate the diplomatic process," the statement added.
