Iran censured over nuclear brinkmanship
The Foreign Office has said it is “deeply concerned” over Iran’s resumption of uranium conversion at its Isfahan plant.
Britain, France and Germany – the so-called E3 – have been working diplomatically with Tehran to end the apparent nuclear brinkmanship in the Middle East state.
They had offered Iran a quid pro quo of incentives and nuclear expertise in return for shelving work on the nuclear fuel cycle.
But Iran this and began work yesterday at the plant under the supervision of the United Nations atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The IAEA has installed surveillance equipment at the plant in line with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, to which Iran is a signatory.
The Foreign Office warning comes as the 35-member board of governors of the IAEA holds an emergency meeting today to discuss the escalation.
“We regret Iran’s decision to reject the E3’s proposals and are deeply concerned about reports that Iran has also decided to restart the uranium conversion facility at Isfahan,” said Foreign Office minister Ian Pearson.
“The E3’s proposals represent a serious attempt to find a way forward that would benefit Iran and the international community.
“We made them in good faith. They offer Iran the prospect of an improved relationship with France, Germany and the UK, on the basis of co-operation, while providing adequate guarantees to the international community that Iran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon.
“We asked Iran to study our ideas carefully, and suggested meetings of senior officials on August 31st and ministers in September to consider them. Iran’s decision to reject them without discussion is damaging.”
French foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said a “grave crisis” threatened to derail the E3’s diplomatic effort.
Joschka Fischer, the German foreign minister, warned of “disastrous consequences” if Teheran acquired nuclear weapons.
Iran stopped uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities last year during negotiations with the EU3 after the UN threatened sanctions for non-compliance.
Iran – an oil rich nation with huge reserves – insists its nuclear research is solely to boost domestic energy supplies, but the US claims Iran is secretly working to acquire a nuclear bomb.
Now Tehran’s decision to restart uranium conversion could lead to a referral to the UN security council and possible sanctions.
In 2003, the IAEA castigated Iran for 18 years of “lies” over its nuclear energy programme.
