APD | EU concerns on Iran's recent nuclear steps, fearing for 2015 deal

By APD writer Aditya Nugraha

The European Commission said Tuesday that Iran’s decision to take a new step to reduce commitments to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal is concerning as it puts the accord at risk.

“We are concerned by President (Hassan) Rouhani’s announcement today to further reduce Iran’s commitment under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),” a commission’s spokeswoman said, referring to the formal title of the deal.

“We urge Iran to reverse all activities that are inconsistent with its commitments under the JCPOA ... it is increasingly difficult to preserve the JCPOA,” she pointed out.

On Monday Iran had launched a new batch of advanced centrifuges to accelerate uranium enrichment, further reducing compliance with the deal following the withdrawal of the United States from the deal.

Iran has injected gas into 1,044 centrifuges at its Fordow plant, Iranian President Rouhani said in a speech broadcasted nationwide.

Under the terms of the deal, Iran is allowed to spin the centrifuges at Fordow without injecting gas, Rouhani said.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)