The Group of Seven (G7) leaders issued a stern warning to Iran concerning its nuclear enrichment activities and potential military collaboration with Russia. This follows a draft communique emphasizing the urgency for Iran to halt and reverse its nuclear advancements, which the leaders argue lack credible civilian purposes. The G7's concerns are heightened by a recent UN nuclear watchdog report indicating Iran's accelerated installation of uranium-enriching centrifuges at its Fordow site and its enrichment of uranium up to 60 percent purity, alarmingly close to weapons-grade levels. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has amassed enough enriched material to potentially create three nuclear weapons if further refined.
The G7 leaders are demanding that Iran engage in sincere dialogue and offer credible assurances that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful. They stress the necessity for Iran to comply fully with the IAEA’s monitoring and verification mechanisms, referencing a Board of Governors’ resolution from June 5.
Additionally, the G7 addressed concerns over Iran's potential military support to Russia, particularly the transfer of ballistic missiles, which would bolster Russia's capabilities in its conflict with Ukraine. The leaders warned that such actions would constitute a severe escalation and threaten European security, promising significant countermeasures if Iran proceeds with such transfers. They urged Iran to desist from aiding Russia's war efforts and refrain from transferring ballistic missile technology.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only, despite the increasing international skepticism and pressure from the G7.