Iran's intention to launch three cascades of IR-2m advanced centrifuges at its underground uranium enrichment plant in Natanz is not a positive step in the difficult environment surrounding Iran's nuclear prograьб Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters.
"Gradual retreat of Iran from its voluntary commitments under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's Nuclear Program - TASS) is not news. Of course, this move doesn't add positive value to an already complex and tense atmosphere around Iran's nuclear program," he said.
At the same time, Ryabkov pointed out that this is not the first time the IAEA secretariat has leaked documents that are not intended for public inspection. "This creates questions, at least as far as the confidentiality of correspondence through the agency. We will ask these questions," he stressed.
According to the Deputy Minister, all parties are required to show restraint and responsibility in order to increase the chances for the preservation of the JCPOA. "There are chances to do so. And we are working with our colleagues from Europe and not only from Europe in the relevant direction. And we will do the same in the coming days when new meetings will be held in person and remotely on this topic," he concluded.
On December 4, Reuters, citing the IAEA report, reported that the Iranian authorities intend to launch three additional cascades of improved IR-2m centrifuges at the underground uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. Currently, there is one IR-2m centrifuge cascade operating at the plant, which began operations in mid-November. Under the terms of the nuclear deal, however, Iran can only enrich uranium on IR-1 centrifuges.
Breakdown of the JCPOA by Tehran
Ryabkov stated that there were influential forces interested in disrupting the JCPOA by Tehran itself.
"We also call on the Iranian side not to raise the rates and demonstrate a responsible approach, but the root cause of what is happening is the destructive actions that the US has been taking for months, and the recent incidents, which have already been mentioned, also speak for themselves. There are influential forces interested in disrupting the JCPOA, and in disrupting it with Iranian hands. We believe that we need to show maximum responsibility in this situation," he said, commenting on the bill of the Majlis (Parliament) of Iran on increasing the degree of uranium enrichment.
On December 1, the Mejlis of Iran voted for the bill obliging the government to increase the degree of uranium enrichment.
The Parliament gave the government two months to refuse from additional protocol with the IAEA if other participants of the nuclear deal do not return to the full execution of their obligations. According to the lawmakers, the measures included in the draft will help lift the sanctions against Tehran.
The bill is designed to oblige the government to produce at least 120 kg of uranium enriched to 20% per year. Meanwhile, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) allows Iran to enrich uranium to a level of no more than 3.67% within 15 years. In addition, the country's authorities will have to commission one thousand additional centrifuges each year at the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities. The law also provides for an immediate return to the Arak nuclear reactor reconstruction project, which existed before the nuclear deal was signed.
Ministerial meeting
Ryabkov said that the parameters of the ministerial meeting on Iran's nuclear program were being agreed upon, it could take place in December.
"We are in the process of developing the agenda, the program of this event. Now we are finalizing the generally acceptable time parameters - date and so on. It is quite possible that it will take place before the New Year," the deputy minister said, answering TASS' question.
On December 2, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrel said at a press conference in Brussels that the EU intended to hold a ministerial meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program in December.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: MFA\TASS
Based on materials TASS