European powers criticise Iran for limiting nuclear inspections

A day earlier, Iran announced it ends implementation of the Additional Protocol, which allows for surprise inspections at nuclear locations.

The move signals a further break-up of the nuclear agreement signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers: The United States, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China.

Iran has begun violating its terms, since former US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from the deal in 2018 and restored economic sanctions against Iran.

“We deeply regret that Iran, from today, has begun suspending the State Protocol and transparency measures”, the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany said through a joint statement.

“Call on Iran to reverse all measures that reduce transparency and ensure full and timely co-operation with the International Nuclear Energy Agency”, they added.

Iran's supreme leader, Ajatolah Ali Khamenei, has spoken of the recent possibility of dramatic escalation of uranium enrichment.

Rich uranium can be used to fuel reactors as well as nuclear bombs. Weapons degree uranium is clear 90%.

Last week, United States President Joe Biden has said he is ready to meet Iran for his nuclear programme, but has insisted that he should return to the terms of the nuclear agreement before the possibility of easing sanctions is discussed.

The Islamic Republic says the US must act first.

The crisis over Iran's nuclear programme has been on the international agenda for nearly 20 years.

Iran says its nuclear programme has only peaceful goals, while the US and other world powers suspect it is trying to secretly develop nuclear weapons. / REL