BICOM

Widespread media reports say that Britain has told a United Nations’ panel of experts that Iran is engaged in illicit procurement of uranium enrichment equipment, in direct violation of current UN Security Council sanctions.

AP cites two anonymous UN sources, while AFP quotes from the panel’s report itself, which notes “The UK government informed the panel on the 20 April 2015 that it ‘is aware of an active Iranian nuclear procurement network which has been associated with Iran’s Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA) and Kalay Electric Company (KEC).’” The two companies mentioned are already on a UN blacklist of Iranian companies complicit in the country’s nuclear development. Current UN sanctions on Iran exist due to Tehran’s failure to address international concerns over its nuclear development.

Although there has been no official response from London or Iranian officials, US State Department Spokeswoman Marie Harf alluded to the reports yesterday, saying “We remain concerned about their [Iran’s] procurement, taken steps to designate entities for procurement in the recent past,” adding that Washington is in ongoing discussions with the UN on the issue.

The apparent British report comes during a delicate period, after Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) agreed a framework to a comprehensive deal on Iran’s nuclear programme a few weeks ago. It paved the way for further negotiations which have now begun over the details of a potential long-term accord, which must be agreed by June. However, both sides have since appeared to be at odds over aspects of the nascent deal, including key items such as the pace of sanctions relief and future Iranian nuclear research.

Also yesterday, US Vice President Joe Biden told the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that although the current talks constitute “a historic opportunity to forge an enduring peaceful solution… As we pursue this deal, we’re also deepening our cooperation with Israel and our other regional partners.”