Europe should rethink sanctions on Iran over nuclear breaches: Germany

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that Britain, France and Germany should be ready with viable alternatives if Iran continues breaching the 2015 nuclear deal. Maas was wary of Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities and hinted at the reimposition of international sanctions on the Arab country.

“We want to preserve the (deal), but Iran must finally return to its commitments and comply with them, otherwise we will reserve the right to use all mechanisms that are set out in the agreement,” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

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Production of low-enriched uranium

Iran revelation of the production of more low-enriched uranium on a daily basis has caused major concern to the European nations.

“I believe (that) in total, 5.5 kilograms is the daily volume of uranium enrichment in Natanz and Fordo,” said Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

Though the current enrichment of uranium, at 4.5 per cent, is far below weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent, it will narrow down the “break-out” period required to have enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon. Iran claimed that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes as it has been facing severe sanctions on the economic front after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran nuclear deal.

Read: Iran Violates Nuclear Pact, Resumes Uranium Enrichment At Fordow Plant

Commitment to the nuclear deal

Earlier, all the three countries had blamed Iran for attacks on Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities but had reaffirmed their support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

“We recall our continued commitment to the JCPoA, agreed with Iran on July 14th, 2015 and unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council,” the joint statement read.

They had urged Iran to reverse its decision to reduce compliance with the deal and asked Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the framework of the deal. They had also asked Iran to accept negotiation on a long-term framework for its nuclear programme.

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(With Inputs from Agencies)