Iran rebukes G7 statement over its nuclear programme escalation
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Iran urged the Group of Seven (G7) on Sunday to distance itself from what it termed as the "destructive policies of the past," stated Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani. This call came in response to a G7 statement condemning Iran's recent escalation of its nuclear program.
The G7 leaders cautioned Iran on Friday against furthering its nuclear enrichment program and indicated readiness to impose new measures if Tehran were to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, as per a draft communique.
"We urge Tehran to cease and reverse nuclear escalations, and stop the continuing uranium enrichment activities that have no credible civilian justifications," read the statement seen by Reuters.
According to a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog published on Thursday, Iran has rapidly expanded its uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow site and initiated the setup of others.
Currently enriching uranium up to 60% purity, near the 90% weapons-grade level, Iran possesses enough material enriched to that degree for the development of three nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA benchmark.
The G7 emphasized Iran's need to engage in sincere dialogue and provide credible assurances that its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes, in full compliance with the IAEA's monitoring and verification mechanisms, including the resolution passed by the Board of Governors on June 5.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful objectives.
Furthermore, the G7 leaders cautioned Iran against finalizing a deal to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia, which could aid Russia's conflict with Ukraine. They warned of significant measures in response if such a transfer were to occur.
"We call on Iran to cease its support for Russia's actions in Ukraine and refrain from transferring ballistic missiles and related technology, as this would constitute a significant escalation and a direct threat to European security," the statement emphasized.
