Iran’s move carries ‘significant’ risks

Germany, France and Britain yesterday said they were "deeply concerned" about Iran's move to step up its uranium enrichment, warning of "very significant" risks. 

Tehran on Tuesday said it was now refining uranium to 20 percent purity, the biggest break yet from its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal struck with world powers.

"This action, which has no credible civil justification and carries very significant proliferation-related risks, is in clear violation of Iran's commitments" under the pact, the European trio said in a statement.

Iran's increased uranium enrichment has triggered international concern because it is seen as a significant step towards the 90 percent level required for a nuclear weapon.

The landmark 2015 deal agreed between Iran and the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany has been fraying since President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions.

The Iranian government has signalled a readiness to engage with US President-elect Joe Biden, who has expressed willingness to return to diplomacy with Tehran.