Iran Denounces E3 Criticism of Nuclear Program

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Monday criticized a recent statement from France, Britain, and Germany regarding Iran’s nuclear program, calling it “absurd and invalid.” His remarks responded to the E3 group’s condemnation of Iran’s steps, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to expand its nuclear activities.

Kanaani dismissed the E3’s claims as false, asserting that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful and that nuclear weapons are not part of its military doctrine. He highlighted the irony of these countries, which have taken a “political and unconstructive” stance and bear responsibility for the current state of the 2015 nuclear deal, accusing Iran of undermining the agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Reaffirming Iran’s dedication to constructive interaction and technical cooperation with the IAEA, Kanaani emphasized that Iran would continue its peaceful nuclear activities under its national plan and within its international rights and obligations.

The E3 statement on Saturday accused Iran of hollowing out the JCPOA by operating additional advanced centrifuges at the Natanz enrichment site and announcing plans to install thousands more centrifuges at both Fordow and Natanz sites. They claimed these actions would increase Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and capacity, exceeding JCPOA limits.

The E3 also criticized Iran’s justification for these steps as a reaction to the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution calling for Iran’s cooperation on safeguards. The JCPOA, signed in 2015, involved restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018, reinstating sanctions and prompting Iran to reduce its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the JCPOA have been ongoing since April 2021 but have seen little progress.