Tehran Confirms 60% Enrichment 'Reversible' If US Lifts Sanctions

Reports from Reuters state that the Iranian gov't has confirmed that its enriching of uranium to 60% fissile purity, intended as a demonstration of the country's ability to do so after a cyber-attack, can be reversed if the United States lifts its sanctions on the country.

• Iran had previously enriched uranium to 20% purity, far in excess of the 3.67% purity required for domestic nuclear power generation that is permitted by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA, the Iran nuclear deal). Raising this level to 60% brings Iran a significant step closer to being able to reach weapons-grade purity, something Israel has stated it would never allow to happen.
• This morning gov't spox Ali Rabiei told reporters that "As in previous steps this measure can quickly be reversed for a return to the agreed enrichment level in the nuclear accord if other parties commit to their obligations,"
• It remains to be seen whether the US will countenance a reduction in sanctions in the face of what opponents of the JCPoA are calling Iranian blackmail.
• The ultimatum comes as talks in Vienna between Iran and the JCPoA signatories (China, France, Germany, Russia, UK) - with the US separately on the sidelines - have been said to be moving in the right direction.