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Iran missiles

“Israel, for its part, reserves for itself full freedom of action, diplomatic and operational, in the fight against the Iranian nuclear program,” announced the Israeli Prime Minister.

By Aryeh Savir, TPS

The international community must level sanctions against Iran, and Israel “will not stand idly by while Iran tries to attack us,” Prime Minister Yair Lapid warned, following reports that Iran has increased its uranium enrichment to dangerous levels.

Reuters reported on Saturday that Iran has escalated its enrichment with adaptable machines at the Fordow plant. The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned in a report that the modified centrifuges mean Iran could switch more quickly and easily to enriching to higher purity levels.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran is permitted to enrich uranium only up to 3.67% purity. The centrifuges in Fordow are reportedly enriching up to 5%. At other facilities, Iran is enriching uranium to 20%.

“Yesterday, it was revealed that Iran is enriching uranium in advanced centrifuges in complete contravention of the agreements it has signed,” Lapid stated during the Weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.

The international response needs to be decisive: to return to the UN Security Council and activate the sanctions mechanism at full force,” he demanded.

“Israel, for its part, reserves for itself full freedom of action, diplomatic and operational, in the fight against the Iranian nuclear program. Israel will not stand idly by while Iran tries to attack us. Our security services know how to reach anyone, anywhere – and they will do just that,” he declared.

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday, and “we will discuss with the President and his team expanding security cooperation against all threats,” said Lapid.