EU criticizes Iran for deepening nuclear 'defiance'

The European Union voiced deep concern on Wednesday over Iran's announcement it would boost its capacity to produce higher-grade enriched uranium, saying Tehran was increasingly in defiance of the UN Security Council.

The 27-nation EU, in a statement read out by Hungary's ambassador at a board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said it noted with "grave concern" Iran's lack of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. "We note with particular concern the announcement made only today by Iran that it will increase its capacity to enrich (uranium) to 20 percent, thereby further exacerbating its defiance of the United Nations Security Council." (Reuters)