US Accuses Iran of ‘Nuclear Extortion’ Over Increased Enrichment

Iran is increasing enrichment to 20 percent in response to assassination of top scientist

A US official accused Iran of “nuclear extortion” on Monday after the Islamic Republic confirmed it will begin enriching uranium at 20 percent.

“Iran enriching uranium to 20 percent at Fordow is a clear attempt to increase its campaign of nuclear extortion, an attempt that will continue to fail,” an anonymous State Department official told Reuters.

With Iran’s announcement, the entire Western media establishment has been scaremongering about the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. But 20 percent is vastly lower than the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade uranium, and it’s clear Iran is not rushing towards a bomb.

The move to increase enrichment was made in response to the assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was likely killed at the hands of Israel. Iran’s Presdient Hassan Rouhani said the move is easily reversible, as he hopes the incoming Biden administration will revive the 2015 nuclear deal.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.