Iran accelerated manufacturing of enriched uranium close to weapons-grade stage in November, based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA famous in a Dec. 26 report that Iran presently produces about 9 kilograms of uranium monthly enriched to 60% uranium-235. Iran was producing 60% enriched U-235 at an analogous price in early 2023, however minimize manufacturing by about two-thirds in June. (See ACT, October 2023.)
U-235 might be rapidly enriched to weapons-grade ranges, or 90 %, so accelerating the manufacturing of uranium enriched to 60 % is regarding.
France, Germany, the UK and the US condemned Iran’s resolution in an announcement on December 28, calling it a “setback” that confirmed Iran’s “lack of goodwill” in direction of de-escalating tensions. The assertion mentioned Iran’s actions “symbolize reckless conduct in a tense regional scenario” and known as on Iran to “instantly reverse these measures.”
Mohammad Elsami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Agency, rejected the IAEA report as propaganda. The improve in uranium enrichment to 60 % U-235 comes amid combined indicators from Tehran relating to its curiosity in nuclear diplomacy and restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian mentioned in a speech on December 9 that the nuclear deal, often known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was turning into “ineffective.” He mentioned the United States and Iran are presently “not on observe to return” to the nuclear deal, however that Iran would take into account returning to the deal if it was “in our pursuits.”
This remark seems to sign a refined shift in Iran’s message relating to the JCPOA. Even after the United States indicated that returning to the nuclear deal was not a precedence for the United States, Iran continued to publicly help restoring the deal.
Kurt Campbell, the National Security Council’s coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, reaffirmed the US place on December seventh earlier than the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Campbell, who’s the Biden administration’s nominee for deputy secretary of state, mentioned the nuclear deal is “greater than only a deal.” In the present atmosphere “on the desk”.
It is unclear how the United States plans to reply to Iran’s nuclear program. Although Iran has taken restricted steps to decelerate sure nuclear actions in late 2023, the October 7 Hamas terrorist assault on Israel and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza have put a damper on discussions about additional de-escalation measures. Looks prefer it’s on maintain. (See ACT, October 2023.)
The Biden administration continues to implement sanctions towards Iran, however it will likely be tougher for the US to achieve worldwide help than it was within the lead-up to the JCPOA, when the US, China and Russia labored collectively to drive Tehran to barter. It has change into. .
Elsami mentioned sanctions had did not cease the nation’s nuclear program. In his Dec. 15 speech, he mentioned Iran would proceed to spend money on increasing its nuclear vitality actions.
Tehran has additionally strengthened ties with Moscow and supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 7 and mentioned that Russia had “gained good momentum over the previous 12 months” because of Iran’s help.
France, Germany and the UK accused Iran of “intentionally supporting Russia’s battle of aggression towards Ukraine” and knowingly handing over drones to be used towards Ukrainian civilians.
The three nations met throughout a Dec. 18 U.N. Security Council assembly to debate the U.N. Secretary-General’s biannual report on the implementation of Security Council decision 2231, which accredited the JCPOA and amended U.N. sanctions towards Iran. made this accusation.
They described Iran’s “continued and long-term disdain” for Resolution 2231 and known as on Iran to “stop its reckless proliferation actions within the area and past.”
UN missile restrictions within the decision expired in October, however the three nations cited proof that Iran had transferred missiles, drones and associated know-how with out Security Council approval earlier than that date. (See ACT, November 2023.)
During the December 18 assembly, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzia denied that Russia was receiving army help from Iran in violation of decision 2231, saying that any such provision circumventing the decision “doesn’t exist.” However, it’s inconceivable.”
The United States and the European JCPOA events “bear the first duty for non-compliance with the nuclear deal,” he mentioned. Nebenzia mentioned Russia “stays satisfied that there isn’t a different” to the 2015 nuclear deal, including that it hopes “Western nations will abandon their unilateral restrictive coverage” in direction of Iran. .