Three European Countries: Iran Must Change Course and Halt Nuclear Escalation
France, the UK, and Germany have emphasized the importance of the remaining months before the expiration of the JCPOA to find a resolution. In a joint statement, they urged Iran to change its course and stop escalating nuclear tensions.
The joint statement from the three countries was released on Monday night, December 18, just hours before the UN Security Council’s session to review the implementation of Resolution 2231.
Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear deal between global powers and Iran, known as the JCPOA, is set to expire in October of next year.
The three European parties to the JCPOA stressed that the next 10 months are “crucial for regional stability and finding a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.”
The European trio also pointed out that Iran, “during this critical period,” has begun increasing its production of highly enriched uranium. According to the statement, this action lacks any credible civilian justification. As the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly noted, Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons that enriches uranium to 60%.
This statement from the European JCPOA members comes in the wake of a resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors on December 1, criticizing Iran and demanding its immediate cooperation with the agency. The resolution also tasked the IAEA Director General with preparing a “comprehensive report” on Iran.
In response to the resolution, Tehran announced the installation of advanced centrifuges in its nuclear facilities.
In their statement, the European trio also referred to the unprecedented levels of enriched uranium stockpiles, the installation of advanced centrifuges, and Tehran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA.
The statement warned: “Iran must change its course, stop nuclear escalation, and pave the way for a diplomatic solution.”
Ten days ago, France, the UK, and Germany also condemned Iran’s accelerated production of highly enriched uranium in a joint statement.
The UN Security Council meeting to review the implementation of Resolution 2231 is currently underway.
