France plainly accused Iran today of pursuing a nuclear program that can only be intended for military purposes, just two days after Iran said it had resumed enrichment for civilian purposes.
The declaration by Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy raised the pressure on Iran, ahead of talks next week in Brussels and Moscow with European Union and Russian officials, as Iran tries to avert a showdown at the Security Council in March.
"Today, it's simple; no civilian nuclear program can explain the Iranian nuclear program. So, it's an Iranian clandestine military nuclear program," Mr. Douste-Blazy said on a morning news show on France 2 television.
Mr. Douste-Blazy's words drew a swift reprisal from Iran.
"I advise Mr. Douste-Blazy to speak diplomatically and not to increase tension," Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, told Iranian television.
The tone of Mr. Douste-Blazy's words suggests increased frustration with Iran's defiance, and from a country that could be in a position to be a power broker.
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