The coming year is expected to bring significant developments in Iran's nuclear program, necessitating increased consultations, said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon arrival in China on Friday.
“Over the past years, we have had close consultations with China on all regional and international issues,” he said.
On December 6, the UN nuclear watchdog reported that Iran had significantly accelerated its production rate of 60% enriched uranium, which is now approximately five times higher than a month ago. Iran is now believed to possess enough 60% enriched uranium to produce four to five atomic bombs, should it choose to pursue nuclear weapons.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi's said earlier this month that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is no longer sufficient to curb Tehran’s uranium enrichment which has exceeded international limits.
"Iran is enriching uranium close to military levels and is rapidly moving towards becoming a nuclear state," Grossi said in an interview with Italy's ANSA news agency."The philosophy of the original accord with Iran can be used, but that agreement is no longer useful," he added.
