France, Germany, the UK and the US condemned Iran on Thursday for ramping up its production of highly enriched uranium with a purity of 60%, close to the level used for nuclear weapons fuel.
In a joint statement, the allies did not specify any consequences Iran might face for increasing production, but called for a reversal and said they were “committed to a diplomatic solution” to the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.
“There is no credible civilian justification for Iran's production of highly enriched uranium,” the statement said. “These results…represent irresponsible behavior in a tense regional environment.”
Since the start of Israel's offensive against the ruling Hamas militia in Gaza, Iran's allies have stepped up attacks on ships in the Red Sea and on US troops in Iraq and Syria.
Israel launched its operation in response to a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement on Tuesday that Iran had reversed a month-long slowdown in its production rate of 60% pure highly enriched uranium.
“We condemn this action, which contributes to the unimpeded escalation of Iran's nuclear program,” the joint statement said.
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