Iran violates nuclear pact, resumes uranium enrichment at Fordow plant

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) reportedly claimed on November 7 that it has resumed uranium enrichment at Iran's underground Fordow nuclear facility. According to an AEOI statement, they have already transferred 2,800 Kg cylinders containing 2,000 Kg of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) from Natanz nuclear facility to Fordow. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi has further confirmed that UN inspectors were on the ground in Iran and would report back on relevant activities. Kamalvandi had earlier also said that the injection of uranium hexafluoride is being monitored by inspectors from the IAEA. 

The US accuses Iran of Nuclear extortion

The resuming of the Fordow nuclear facility is, however, a step away from its 2015 nuclear deal with major world powers. In a recent statement, the United States called Iran's move a big mistake. On November 5 the US had further accused Iran of “Nuclear extortion” and representative of the US stated that Iran had no solid reason to further expand its uranium enrichment at the Fordow Plant or anywhere else. The representative further added that the US will exert maximum pressure on Iran until it does not stop its unacceptable behaviour and that included the proliferation-sensitive work. 

READ: French President Emmanuel Macron Said Iran Took ‘grave’ Decisions

READ: US Accuses Iran Of 'nuclear Extortion' With Uranium Enrichment Step

'Grave decision'

French President Emmanuel Macron attacked Iran saying that it took ‘grave’ decisions after Tehran decided to take a step back from the problematic 2015 nuclear deal with the major powers of the world. Emmanuel Macron, made a statement during his trip to Beijing, saying, "I will have discussions in the coming days, including the Iranians, and we must collectively draw the consequences." Macron further reflected that this will be for the first time that Iran will properly take a step back from the nuclear deal. He termed it a ‘profound change’ from Tehran’s previous position on the matter. The French President also said that in the coming week, France will focus all its efforts in pressurising Iran to follow the nuclear pact which certainly is accompanied by “an easing of some sanctions." 

READ: Iran's Rouhani Announces Another Step Away From 2015 Nuclear Deal

READ: Iran’s Nuclear Program Explained As Atomic Deal Unravels

(With agency inputs)