TEHRAN – The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry has responded to a joint statement issued by the United States and three European countries concerning Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing that Tehran’s nuclear activities comply with international rules and regulations.

In a statement on Friday, Nasser Kanaani denounced remarks by Britain, France, Germany and the U.S. regarding Iran’s nuclear program, saying that Iran’s activities are “entirely peaceful.”

Western powers condemned Iran on Thursday for “escalation” of its nuclear program, after the UN watchdog said Tehran had upped its high-grade uranium enrichment.

Kanaani emphasized, "As reiterated many times, the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been and will remain peaceful."

The spokesman remarked, "It's quite amusing that the countries responsible for the current situation regarding Iran's nuclear program are attempting to shift blame and victimhood with a heart detached from reality."

He stressed that Tehran’s nuclear activities comply with international rules and regulations, adding that enriching uranium up to 60% has been a routine at Iranian nuclear facilities.

Kanaani suggested, "These countries would be better off reviewing their performance in the past two years in the negotiations for lifting sanctions and observing the outcome of their unconstructive policies."

Emphasizing Iran's position, the spokesman stated, "Enrichment at the 60% level in Iran's nuclear facilities has consistently been proportional to the peaceful needs of the country and fully under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

Kanaani assured, "Iran is fully aware of all its international rights and obligations and, within this framework, will continue its cooperation with the agency."

Expanding on the diplomatic discourse, Kanaani added, "Avoiding negotiations and raising unrelated issues, which have led to the current state of the negotiations, do not grant the United States and three European countries the authority to assert anything about Iran's nuclear program."

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded, "As in the past, the Islamic Republic of Iran regards negotiation and diplomacy as the most effective means to address baseless concerns about its peaceful nuclear program. The responsibility now lies with the United States and the three European countries. They must make the requisite political decisions, setting aside rhetorical statements and unproductive pressures."

MAS