Iran vows retaliation if Europe 'exploits' IAEA report

Iran on Sunday warned it would retaliate if European powers that have threatened to reimpose nuclear sanctions “exploit” a UN report showing Tehran has stepped up production of highly enriched uranium.

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The report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran had sharply increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 per cent, close to the roughly 90 per cent level needed for atomic weapons.

Iran's total amount of enriched uranium now exceeds 45 times the limit authorised by a landmark 2015 agreement with world powers, and is estimated at 9,247.6 kilograms, according to the confidential IAEA report seen by media.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement he had told IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in a phone call that “Iran will respond to any inappropriate action by the European parties” to the 2015 agreement, referring to Britain, France and Germany.