Iran gives 60-day ultimatum on nuke deal, warns of UN Security Council referral
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iran’s top security body chaired by President Hassan Rouhani says in a letter addressed to the remaining parties to the nuclear deal that the actions of the US government and the inaction of the European parties to the landmark 2015 accord have left no option for the Islamic Republic but to "scale back" on its commitments to the deal.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran announces that in this current stage, it no longer feels committed to the restrictions in relation to the storage of uranium enrichment and heavy water…” the statement from the Supreme National Security Council said on Wednesday as quoted by Tasnim News agency. “The remaining parties to the JCPOA will be given 60 days to deliver on their commitment in particular in oil and banking sectors.”
The measures by Tehran come on the first anniversary of President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA) which followed with the re-imposition of sanctions in November described as one of the toughest-sanctioned regimes by administration hawks.
Under this deal, Iran limited its enrichment of uranium in exchange for lifting of the crippling sanctions. However since the return of the sanctions, the Iranian economy has suffered greatly as factories close and the level of unemployment jumps with the national currency losing over 60 percent of its value leading to sporadic protests by factory workers and government employees.
The Council’s decision comes after months of deliberations about the course of action Tehran should take with the hardliners pushing for the complete withdrawal from the landmark 2015 deal and the position of Rouhani government to take a more measured approach.
While it appears Rouhani has won the debate for the next 60 days in Tehran, the recent action by the Trump administration to increase the heat on Tehran by deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Persian Gulf because Washington claims there are credible security threats from Iran, raises tensions to dangerous levels in the region.
The Council warned that if the remaining parties will not deliver within the 60 days, Iran will consider it within its right to start increasing its level of uranium enrichment and upgrading its heavy water reactor: “Whenever our demands are met, we would resume adhering to our commitments; otherwise, the Islamic Republic of Iran would halt its adherence to the other commitments stage by stage.”
The Supreme National Security Council struck a tone of possible reconciliation when it said that Tehran is ready to consult with other remaining members on all levels but warned that “any irresponsible action such as referring the issue to the United Nations Security Council or imposing further sanctions, Iran would react swiftly and decisively.”
Rouhani emphasized that Iran does not want to exit from the JCPOA because it was a decision undertaken by the entire Islamic Republic establishment.
Chronology of the Iran nuclear deal as Iran suspends commitments to limit stocks of enriched uranium and heavy water. Graphic: P.Pizarro/S.Huet/T.Saint-Cricq | AFP
What are Iran's limits on nuclear activities?
According to The Associated Press under terms of the deal, Iran can keep a stockpile of no more than 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of low-enriched uranium. That's compared to the 10,000 kilograms (22,046 pounds) of higher-enriched uranium that it once had.
Additionally, the United States last week ended deals allowing Iran to exchange its enriched uranium for unrefined yellowcake uranium with Russia, as well as it being able to sell its heavy water to Oman. Washington also has ended waivers for nations buying Iranian crude oil, a key source of revenue for the Iranian economy.
Rouhani, in the meeting on Wednesday, said Iran continues to abide by the sanctions; however, if within the 60 days the remaining cosigners of the nuclear don't allow Tehran to keep the low-enriched uranium and heavy water within the pre-established limits, they'll protest before the UN Security Council.
Currently, the accord limits Iran to enriching uranium to 3.67 percent, which can fuel a commercial nuclear power plant, AP reported. Weapons-grade uranium needs to be enriched to around 90 percent. However, once a country enriches uranium to around 20 percent, scientists say the time needed to reach 90 percent is halved. Iran has previously enriched to 20 percent.