US cancels sanction waivers for Fordow nuclear plant in Iran

After Iran announced the resumption of enrichment activities in an underground lab in Fordow, the United States on November 18, said that it will lift sanction waivers for the nuclear plant at the site. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking at a news conference, said that the right amount of uranium enrichment for the world's largest state sponsor of terror is zero.

"Therefore the United States will terminate the sanctions waiver related to the nuclear facility at Fordow effective December 15, 2019," said Pompeo.

Read: Europe Should Rethink Sanctions On Iran Over Nuclear Breaches: Germany

Production of low-enriched uranium

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), had said that Iran has been producing more low-enriched uranium on a daily basis after it restarted an underground lab in Fordow. According to Salehi, Iran is currently producing at least 5.5 kilograms of low-enriched uranium, which is almost 12 times what the country had been producing before the underground lab started.

“I believe (that) in total, 5.5 kilograms is the daily volume of uranium enrichment in Natanz and Fordo,” said Salehi. 

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

United Nations' weapon embargo

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. In October 2020, the United Nations will also lift the weapon embargo imposed for five years after the adoption of the nuclear accord. But it is yet to be seen if the ban will be lifted since the deal has been facing serious challenges. 

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

Reimposition of international sanctions possible

Earlier, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had asked Britain, France and Germany to 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 Maas.

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

(With Inputs from Agencies)