The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Germany commented on the data on Tehran’s enrichment of uranium at the underground plant in Natanz.
The ministry noted that Berlin is concerned about the expansion of the Iranian nuclear program.
“Given the ongoing intensive efforts to preserve the JCPOA, any such violation by Iran of the nuclear deal is counterproductive,” the German Foreign Ministry told RIA Novosti on Wednesday, March 17.
Earlier on the same day, it became known that Iran had begun uranium enrichment with a cascade of advanced IR-4 centrifuges. It was reported that Iran intends to install a second cascade of improved centrifuges at the Natanz plant.
In turn, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow urges Iran not to follow the logic of escalation, and other participants in the nuclear deal – to restraint.
On March 9, it was reported that Iran began enrichment of uranium on the new generation IR-2M centrifuges. According to the IAEA, the enrichment is taking place at an underground nuclear facility near the city of Natanz.
In late February, the IAEA and Iran reached an agreement to continue verification activities at nuclear facilities in Iran for three months. Thus, the observers gained access to Iranian facilities.
In early December 2020, the Iranian authorities adopted a law on the intensification of nuclear activities. In accordance with the document, the Republic’s Atomic Energy Organization, two months after its approval, will begin to produce at least 120 kg of uranium enriched to 20% annually at the Fordow nuclear site. Uranium will be stored internally.