An expert at a uranium enrichment factory in Isfahan, Iran (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The US last year unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the historic nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US), plus Germany. The US has been increasing sanctions on Iran’s finance and oil industry. Iran has responded by announcing plans to enrich uranium beyond the level of 3.67% and the 300kg stockpile limit allowed under the terms of the 2015 agreement.