The United States, France, the United Kingdom and Germany expressed their “deep concern” on Saturday about the commissioning of “new advanced centrifuges” announced the day before by Iran, in response to a resolution criticism in Vienna condemning its nuclear activities.
“We note with deep concern the announcement made by Iran,” the four countries said in a joint statement released by the US State Department.
Russia and China voted against the resolution
“Instead of responding to the resolution with cooperation, (Iran) plans to respond with a new expansion of its nuclear program in ways that have no credible peaceful justification,” they denounced, “welcoming” to passage of the resolution adopted in Vienna.
The text, drawn up by London, Paris and Berlin associated with Washington, was approved Thursday by 19 of the 35 member states of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which sits in Vienna, according to sources diplomatic officials interviewed by AFP.
This document – of symbolic significance at this stage – reminds Iran of its “legal obligations”, under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ratified in 1970.
Russia, China and Burkina Faso voted against, while 12 countries abstained. Venezuela was unable to participate.
Cooperation “as in the past”
In response to this resolution, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) ordered the “commissioning of a series of new advanced centrifuges of different types”, said Friday in a joint statement. OIEA and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Technical and safeguards cooperation will continue with the IAEA, as in the past”, in accordance with the commitments made by Iran, however, the Iranian authorities clarified.
Iran has severely restricted its cooperation with the Agency since 2021 and its nuclear program continues to gain momentum, even if Tehran denies wanting to acquire the bomb.
