Iran set to surpass uranium enrichment limits

ISTANBUL — Iran is prepared to begin enriching uranium beyond the limits set by the nuclear deal it struck with world powers, a top aide to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said ahead of a Sunday deadline that Iranian officials gave European leaders to offer more concessions to Tehran.

Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Khamenei on international affairs, made the remarks in a video message posted to the supreme leader’s website late Friday. He said the decision to boost uranium enrichment levels was agreed on by “every component of the establishment” and was a reaction to Iran’s misfortunes following a U.S. withdrawal from the pact last year.

Under the agreement, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear energy activities in exchange for widespread sanctions relief. The United States abandoned the accord and reimposed a near-total embargo on Iran, and European nations have struggled to maintain the economic benefits promised to Tehran under the deal.

Velayati said Iran would reverse its decision to breach elements of the accord if Europe and the United States “go back to fulfilling their commitments.”

Iranian officials say that Tehran’s actions do not violate the deal, which calls on the United States to “make best efforts in good faith” to sustain the accord and to “refrain from re-introducing or reimposing sanctions.” The deal allows Tehran and other participants to cease performing their commitments if it believes any or all of the other signatories are failing to uphold the deal.

Last week, Iran announced it had bolstered its stockpile of enriched uranium beyond the 300 kg restriction prescribed by the deal. It currently enriches uranium at a rate of 3.67% — far below the 90% needed to produce a nuclear weapon.

Iran’s moves to increase its nuclear energy activities come as tensions have spiked between the United States and Iran in the Persian Gulf region. In recent weeks, a spate of attacks on commercial tankers near the Strait of Hormuz raised fears of a wider military confrontation.