New uranium enrichment plant disclosed in Iran

“The latest reports that Iran has built a new enrichment plant give cause for grave concern,” said Foreign Minister Støre after it was revealed today that Iran has concealed the existence of an uranium enrichment plant from international nuclear authorities for several years. There is a crisis of confidence between Iran and the rest of the international community today because of Iran’s lack of transparency regarding its nuclear programme and its lack of willingness to comply with demands put forward by the IAEA and the UN Security Council.

“The latest reports that Iran has built a new enrichment plant give cause for grave concern,” said Foreign Minister Støre. “This is incompatible with Security Council requirements, and shows clearly that Iran has not laid all its cards on the table,” he said.

US President Barack Obama, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown spoke with one voice today in condemning Iran’s new uranium enrichment plant at a press conference during the G-20 meting in Pittsburgh.

“This latest turn of events also shows how crucial it is that Iran show full transparency regarding its nuclear facilities and allow the IAEA full access. Otherwise it will be impossible for Iran to gain international confidence, which is also necessary for the country to exercise its right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, which we have never contested,” said Foreign Minister Støre.

“Yesterday the UN Security Council adopted a historic resolution on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s intentions could, unfortunately, complicate the efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. This is extremely regrettable,” said Mr Støre.

"Our aim is to find a diplomatic solution. It is essential that the international community is united in putting political pressure on Iran,” he concluded.