Kamalvandi: By June 6, We Will Exceed the 300 Kilogram Enriched Uranium Cap

The spokesman of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization announced on Monday, June 17, new measures by Iran aimed at stepping back from other JCPOA commitments at a press conference.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, held a press conference on Monday, June 17 (June 17) at the Arak Heavy Water Facility (Khondab) where he detailed the latest technical measures taken by the Atomic Energy Organization in implementation of the recent statement by the Supreme National Security Council regarding the suspension of certain JCPOA commitments.

Kamalvandi, referring to the recent decisions of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that since the capacity was quadrupled, uranium 3.67 percent production has increased, and starting today for a period of 10 days (by June 6), we will exceed the 300-kilogram uranium cap.

Regarding heavy water produced at the Arak Heavy Water Facility, he said: “It is possible that in future years the use of heavy water domestically may increase.”

The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization stressed that “we are waiting for the decision of the country’s authorities for the second step. Of course, there is an opportunity for Europeans, but Iran will no longer wait to see them act.”

Kamalvandi said that Iran’s reserves will increase at a faster pace if it is important for them [the Europeans] to preserve the JCPOA, they must make efforts.

He added: “In the not-too-distant future, we will be able to direct all our heavy water production domestically for various purposes. Previously, according to commitments, more than 130 tons were supposed to be sold to international markets. Now the JCPOA commitments and restrictions do not create any barriers for us. We will also maintain international markets.”

Kamalvandi made the second phase of reducing commitments after the two-month deadline contingent on “orders from the highest authorities.” According to him, this order is based on launching and advancing both reactors simultaneously; advancing both reactors includes both redesign discussion and previous design.

The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization threatened that “if the Europeans do not cooperate and move slowly as in the past, the pipes of the Arak power plant, which contain cement, and since we have those pipes, will be replaced with new pipes.”

He said: “America had pressured China with the idea that if Iran does not have the redesigned reactor, it has no need for heavy water. The Americans in the last exemptions had said no one should buy heavy water. Fortunately, the Chinese, with whom we have been in contact over the past week or two, are working with us in a good process. We are doing the design ourselves; now we are in the stage of procuring equipment, which the Europeans can provide, and this is a good test if they provide the facilities.”

Regarding exceeding the 3.67 percent cap, Kamalvandi said: “There are two scenarios. One is that we define enrichment beyond 3.67 percent for Bushehr’s needs, which would be 5 percent, or we define it for the Tehran reactor, which would be 20 percent. Various scenarios have been considered in this regard.”

What Can the Europeans Do?

Earlier, Abbas Araghchi, deputy foreign minister of Iran, announced in a meeting with Helga Schmidt, deputy responsible for EU foreign policy, “Iran’s 60-day deadline to Europe will not be extended under any circumstances, and Iran will implement further measures or the second step, unless they meet our demands.”

This comes as Europe, through German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who recently visited Iran, has told the country’s officials that no miracles can be expected from the European Union. However, Iran’s reduction of JCPOA commitments or withdrawal from the agreement places Europe in a difficult position in supporting the JCPOA and opposing American positions. Overall, the Europeans consider changing this country’s stance on regional issues and joining relevant financial task force treaties as vital to provide stronger support for Iran in the JCPOA dispute.

Kamalvandi also said in a press interview in Arak that we do not know whether Europe “in failing to fulfill its obligations” to reduce sanctions is deliberately stalling or is unable to act.

Volker Perthes, head of Germany’s most influential think tank that advises the German government on foreign policy, said today in an interview with the newspaper Handelsblatt that Europe has little room to maneuver, except to create a united front with other permanent members of the Security Council and advise America not to add fuel to the fire of conflict, thereby helping reduce tension.

Source: DW