European powers urge Iran to reverse its move to increase uranium enrichment

European powers urged Iran to reverse its move to increase uranium enrichment, as a French envoy arrived in Tehran to boost efforts to save a landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

The accord between Iran and world powers promised sanctions relief, economic benefits and an end to international isolation of the Islamic republic in return for stringent curbs on its nuclear programme. The European parties to the deal along with the EU's diplomatic chief yesterday called on Tehran to reverse breaches of the



agreement.

French President Emmanuel Macron sent his top diplomatic advisor to Tehran after Iran announced that it had passed 4.5 percent uranium enrichment -- above the 3.67 percent limit under the agreement though still far below the 90 percent necessary for military purposes.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Emmanuel Bonne arrived in the Iranian capital. A meeting with Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, is planned for today morning.