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Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, a step which Tehran said aimed to develop fuel for a research reactor, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"Today, Iran informed the Agency that UO2 (uranium oxide) enriched up to 20 percent U–235 would be shipped to the RD laboratory at the Fuel Fabrication Plant in Isfahan, where it would be converted to UF4 (uranium tetrafluoride) and then to uranium metal enriched to 20 percent U–235, before using it to manufacture the fuel," according to an IAEA statement.
The move has drawn "grave concern" from some European countries and criticism from the United States.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from the UK, France and Germany said Iran's decision violates the country's commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
"Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal RD and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon," they said.
"With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations," the ministers warned, urging Iran to return to the negotiations in Vienna, which began in April and adjourned on June 20.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington was not setting a deadline for the talks, but noted "that as time proceeds Iran's nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA."
"It's another unfortunate step backwards for Iran," he said.
(CGTN)
