Iran is looking to enrich uranium up to 60%, after an attack on its Natanz nuclear facility, pushing its program to higher levels than ever. Iran had been enriching up to 20%, a short technical step to weapons-grade levels of 90%.
The announcement marks a significant escalation after the sabotage that damaged centrifuges in the facility, suspected to have been carried out by Israel.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the U.S. takes Iran’s “provocative announcement seriously, calling into question Iran’s seriousness with regard to the nuclear talks. However, Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.