Iran could boost its uranium enrichment to 90%, weapons-grade level, and consider exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if European powers move to trigger the UN snapback sanctions mechanism, Tasnim News reported on Tuesday.
The report came as France said it would trigger the UN snapback mechanism against Iran by the end of August if no tangible progress is made on a nuclear deal.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Tuesday that Iran has violated its commitments under the 2015 agreement and that France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, known as the E3, are justified in reapplying global embargoes on arms, banks, and nuclear equipment. “Without a firm, tangible, and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will do so by the end of August at the latest,” Barrot told reporters in Brussels.
In response, Tasnim warned that Iran could raise uranium enrichment from 60% to 90%, and may use its enriched uranium stockpile for what it called “non-prohibited military purposes.”
The outlet also said that while exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) would be a major step, it remains one of several options Iran is considering.
Snapback seen as 'military aggression' by Iranian officials
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi last week warned that triggering the snapback would be viewed by Iran as equivalent to a military strike. “This move would mark the end of Europe’s role in Iran’s peaceful nuclear file,” he said, calling it a “historic mistake” that could irreversibly damage ties.
Tasnim echoed that view, saying that the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, combined with European inaction, have shifted Tehran’s strategy from "political patience to strategic deterrence".
Iran may expand nuclear activity, restrict IAEA oversight
In its report, Tasnim said Iran "should halt dilution of 60% enriched uranium, accelerate advanced centrifuge deployment, expand research into uranium metal production, and scale back cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
“These responses are lawful and proportionate,” the outlet said, while warning that Tehran would not accept any further Western pressure without consequences.
