EU leaders concerned about Iran's plan to build a new enrichment site
"We have taken note with great concern of the various statements concerning a considerable increase in enrichment capacity, and in particular, the establishment of new infrastructure."
France said on Thursday it was concerned about Iran's plan to build a new enrichment site.
"We have taken note with great concern of the various statements concerning a considerable increase in enrichment capacity, and in particular, the establishment of new infrastructure. We strongly condemn these announcements," a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking after meeting with European foreign ministers in Rome, said on Thursday that the EU's concerns with Iran are larger than the nuclear issue, and also include Iran's support for Russia as well as the detention of EU citizens in Iran.
Plans to open new uranium enrichment facility
Iran announced counter-measures to the International Atomic Energy Agency's resolution declaring it in breach of non-proliferation obligations, state television said on Thursday, including the opening of a new enrichment site and upgrading of centrifuges in the Fordow nuclear facility.The move by Iran was among several measures being taken because of the resolution, Iranian state TV said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran had provided no further details such as the location of the site.
Potential Israeli attack on Iran
Meanwhile, Italy stated that it has no indication there will be an Israeli attack on Iran in the near future, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday."I don't know if there will be an Israeli attack on Iran, we have no signs, apart from what the Americans have done, that there will be an attack in the immediate future," Tajani told reporters.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because it could become a dangerous place, adding that the US would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
An Italian official close to the matter said that Rome is not planning to reduce its personnel at the Italian embassy in Iraq or in other countries in the Middle East.
Wadephul said that Germany will not accept Iran getting nuclear weapons.
"Everyone wants to avoid any escalation. We will not stand by idly and watch Iran become nuclear-armed. That must be made clear in this situation," Wadephul said, speaking alongside Tajani.
