UK, France, Germany Condemn Iran’s Plans to Expand Nuclear Program 

This file handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on November 4, 2020 shows an overview of Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom. (Photo by Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
This file handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on November 4, 2020 shows an overview of Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom. (Photo by Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
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UK, France, Germany Condemn Iran’s Plans to Expand Nuclear Program 

This file handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on November 4, 2020 shows an overview of Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom. (Photo by Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
This file handout satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies and taken on November 4, 2020 shows an overview of Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), northeast of the city of Qom. (Photo by Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies / AFP)

Britain, France and Germany on Tuesday condemned Iran's plans to expand its nuclear program after the UN nuclear watchdog said Iran was enriching uranium, with plans to further expand enrichment at two plants. 

"Iran’s step is a challenge to the global non-proliferation system," the three nations said in a joint statement provided by the British government.  

"This step, which carries significant proliferation-related risks, has no credible civilian justification," they added. 

"We will continue to consult, alongside international partners, on how best to address Iran’s continued nuclear escalation." 



G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
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G7 Statement will Not Mention ICC Warrant for Netanyahu

Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Protesters wave an Israeli flag and hold placards as they stand behind a banner reading, "Crime Minister" and demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just before his corruption trial opens, outside his residence in Jerusalem May 24, 2020. The placard in Hebrew reads, " Indictment: favorable coverage = lying to the public" REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo

A joint statement of Group of Seven foreign ministers is set to avoid mentioning the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an effort by the Italian hosts to find a common position on it.

Italy, which currently chairs the G7, said on Monday it wanted to try to forge a common position about the ICC arrest warrant at a two-day meeting it hosted in the spa town of Fiuggi and which ended on Tuesday.

A draft of the final statement due to emerge from the discussions, reviewed by Reuters, did not directly name the ICC and its decisions.

"In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including International Humanitarian Law," it said.

"We reiterate our commitment to International Humanitarian Law and will comply with our respective obligations," the statement added, stressing "that there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel".

Last week, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defence chief Yoav Gallant, as well as a Hamas leader, Ibrahim Al-Masri, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

The move was strongly criticized by the United States but other states including Britain and Italy did not rule out that they could make an arrest if Netanyahu visited their countries.

Israel condemned the ICC decision as shameful and absurd. Hamas praised it as a step towards justice.