US accuses Iran of 'nuclear extortion' with uranium enrichment step

The United States of America accused Iran of "Nuclear extortion" on November 5 and promised to keep up the pressure after the Islamic Republic stated that it would restart its process of uranium enrichment at their major Fordow Plant. A representative of the US stated that Iran had no solid reason to further expand its uranium enrichment at the Fordow plant or anywhere else, as such an attempt will only lead to the further political and economic isolation of the country. The representative further added that the US will exert maximum pressure on Iran till the time it does not stop its unacceptable behavior and that included the proliferation-sensitive work.

An attempt to extract benefits from the nuclear deal

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated that the Islamic Republic will resume its process of uranium enrichment at the plant near the city of Qom, which was initially suspended under the 2015 nuclear accord signed between Iran, the United States of America and 5 other powers. 

Iran's latest decision was taken on the basis of extracting benefits from the deal, from which the American President, Donald Trump, backed off and imposed sanctions with an aim to reduce Tehran's regional role.

Read: Iran's Rouhani Announces Another Step Away From 2015 Nuclear Deal

No communication between Iran and US: Khamenei

Iran's second supreme head Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on September 17 that there will be no communication or dialogues between Iran and the United States of America at any possible level. This statement by the supreme leader was a hint to put a stop to any indication about the meeting between the two countries at the United Nations sometime in September. 

According to reports, Khamenei stated that all of the leaders in Iran stood by the decision taken and all of the concerned officials maintained what had been decided for both the countries. According to various reports, there was a mention of a meeting between Donald Trump and Hassan Rouhani to be held on the sidelines during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Read: Iran’s Nuclear Program Explained As Atomic Deal Unravels

With a sense of hostility in the Persian Gulf area increasing after the bombing of the Aramco Oil sites in Saudi Arabia, Iran was blamed by America for orchestrating the attacks, a charge that has been denied by the Islamic Republic.

Read:  Iranian President Announces Another Break From Nuclear Deal

Read: Iran: Ayatollah Khamenei 's Inner Circle Imposed With US Sanctions

(With inputs from agencies)