Sanctions threat as Iran breaches nuclear deal
IRAN faces fresh sanctions within months after breaking the terms of its nuclear deal.
The Foreign Office warned Tehran it must “immediately stop and reverse all activities” that breach the terms of the agreement after it started uranium enrichment above agreed limits.
It follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the pact and reimpose US sanctions.
Iran wants to force other countries involved into pressuring Washington to reverse punishing economic penalties and has threatened more breaches in 60 days if its demands are not met.
Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China remain signed up to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal with Iran to stop it acquiring nuclear weapons.
But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the breach was a “very, very dangerous step” for Iran, and called for France, Germany and the UK to impose sanctions.
The Government will use diplomatic channels in an attempt to stop Iran producing higher-grade enriched uranium, which can be used for nuclear weapons, but could reimpose sanctions within months if that fails.
Iran agreed to enrich uranium to no more than 3.67 per cent, which is enough for peaceful pursuits but is far below the weapons-grade levels of 90 per cent.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “While the UK remains fully committed to the deal, Iran must immediately stop and reverse all activities inconsistent with its obligations.
“We are co-ordinating with other JCPOA participants regarding the next steps under the terms of the deal, including a joint commission.”
It comes against a backdrop of increased tensions in the Gulf following an attack on two oil tankers which the UK and US have blamed on Iran, and the downing of a US drone.