Iranian regime threatens to resume high-level uranium enrichment

Iranian regime President Hassan Rohani has said Tehran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against US sanctions.

Rohani's remarks were made in an address to the nation aired by state television on May 8, the anniversary of President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from a landmark nuclear agreement.

Rohani said the remaining signatories of the accord - Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia – have 60 days to take measures to protect Iran's oil and banking sectors.

Rohani has written to the leaders of the five countries, saying Iran will start reducing some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal and will no longer export enriched uranium and heavy water to other nations as stipulated in the accord.

Earlier on May 8, Iranian state media reported that the letters have been delivered to the ambassadors of the five nations.

"If the five countries join negotiations and help Iran to reach its benefits in the fields of oil and banking, Iran will return to its commitments according to the nuclear deal," Rohani said.

However, Rohani warned of a "strong reaction" if European leaders instead sought to impose more sanctions on Iran via the UN Security Council. He did not elaborate.

Based on RFERL