Iran tests missiles amid pressure from European powers to back off planned violation of nuclear deal
- The medium-range missile tests came as Germany, France and Britain pressed it to back off the latest planned violation of its 2015 nuclear deal
- Iran has started installing equipment for the production of uranium metal, which can also be used for a nuclear bomb
The tests, of missiles with a range of 1,800km (1,118 miles), were successful, according to Tasnim news agency. Cruise missiles and drones were also tested during the exercise conducted by the Navy and the Revolutionary Guards.
They also presented a new helicopter carrier and a new missile ship that are to provide greater security in the Gulf against any potential military threats from the United States, according to Iranian sources.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Thursday Iran had informed it that it had begun installing equipment for the production of uranium metal. It said Tehran maintains its plans to conduct research and development on uranium metal production are part of its “declared aim to design an improved type of fuel.”
Uranium metal can also be used for a nuclear bomb, however, and research on its production is specifically prohibited under the nuclear deal – the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – that Tehran signed with Germany, France, Britain, China, Russia and the United States in 2015.
Since the unilateral American withdrawal from the deal in 2018, the other members have been working to preserve the accord. Iran has been using violations of the deal to put pressure on the other signatories to provide more incentives to Iran to offset crippling American sanctions reimposed after the US pull-out.
A joint statement from the German, French and British foreign ministries said they are “deeply concerned” by the latest Iranian announcement.