British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stressed that he rejects Iran's claims that enriched uranium is used solely for scientific and educational purposes.
Last week, diplomats from Britain, Germany and France held a round of consultations with the Iranian side in an attempt to break the impasse in nuclear talks.
Despite the temporary restriction of interaction with the IAEA, Tehran continues to declare its readiness for dialogue.
The key cause for concern for Western countries was the IAEA data released in May: Iran’s stockpiles of uranium enriched to 60%, a level close to weapons grade, exceeded 400 kg.
In an exclusive conversation with The Guardian, the politician said: “Repeated talks with Iranian leaders have not made clear to me the logic behind stockpiling 60 percent uranium.
“If you look at the examples of Sellafield or the Urenko plant in Cheshire, the concentration there does not exceed 6%. Tehran's explanations about scientific purposes seem unconvincing to me.”
The minister expressed concern that Iran's development of nuclear weapons could provoke a new round of confrontation in the Middle East.
Recalling the June strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities, Lammy drew a parallel with historical events: “Viewers of the film Oppenheimer could see the consequences of the American nuclear program.
“These are the very scenarios that could materialize in the region if neighboring states begin an arms race. This would create the threat of passing on to future generations a world with a critically increased nuclear arsenal.”
Britain's top diplomat said while Israel's position on regime change in Tehran was considered, it was not the motivation for US military action.
The Tottenham MP stressed that the issue of regime change was the prerogative of the Iranian people, focusing on the UK's “potential to prevent the emergence of a nuclear state”.
Earlier, Lammy outlined the possibility of restoring the E3 (Great Britain, France, Germany) sanctions regime if Tehran ignores demands regarding its nuclear program.
Speaking to a House of Commons committee, he said: “Pressure on Iran will increase in the coming weeks through UN mechanisms that include sweeping economic restrictions across virtually every sector.”
“Tehran faces a choice. The decision is theirs.
“My position is clear: the UK is prepared to tighten measures that will significantly increase the pressure on the regime if international demands to end nuclear development are not taken seriously.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
