European countries expressed “grave concern” about Iran’s latest move Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, it has told the global nuclear watchdog. Tehran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the process was to develop fuel for a research reactor. But uranium metal could also be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb. European powers said Iran’s move breached a nuclear deal and threatened talks to revive it. The US called it an “unfortunate step backwards”. The 2015 deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw Iran agree to restrictions its nuclear program that were designed to minimize the risk of it developing a nuclear weapon. In return, six world powers – China, France, Germany, Russia, the US and the UK – agreed to lift economic sanctions that were in place. Iran’s nuclear program: What’s […]