Iran’s nuclear activity concerning, says Saudi

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Saudi Arabia yesterday expressed concerns over the increased pace of Iran’s nuclear activities, which the Kingdom said “are not consistent with peaceful purposes” and threatens regional security. Riyadh “is greatly concerned about the increased pace of Iran’s nuclear activities and development of capabilities ... that are not consistent with peaceful purposes,” a Saudi foreign ministry official said.

The UN nuclear watchdog said on Tuesday Iran had begun the enrichment process.

The move, which could help Iran develop a nuclear weapon, was criticised by the United States and European powers.

Iran said it’s developing fuel for a research reactor, not for producing a nuclear weapon.

The Saudi official said Iran’s move to produce uranium enriched to 60% fissile purity and uranium metal to 20% “represent an increasing threat” to regional security and non-proliferation of weapons. They hamper efforts to secure “a comprehensive nuclear deal that ensures global and regional security and stability,” the official added. Global powers have been in talks with Tehran since early April to revive the 2015 deal.

Washington withdrew from the pact three years ago, and Iran has responded by gradually breaching its restrictions.

On Wednesday, the United States said it expected the seventh round of indirect US-Iran talks to take place “at the appropriate moment,” but did not say when. Uranium enriched to 20% is suitable for research reactors.

But France, Britain and Germany, all parties to the 2015 deal, have said Iran’s uranium metal production has no civilian credibility but could have potentially serious military implications.