Iran's decision to increase uranium enrichment capacity may push Europe to US side

Amidst controversies over the 2015 international nuclear deal, Iran's recent decision to prepare grounds for boosting enriched uranium capacity is likely to propel European vessel to the US shore.

Ship carrying low-enriched uranium departs from Iran for Russia

A ship carrying over 25,000 pounds (11,000 kg) low-enriched uranium materials departed from Iran for Russia, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday, calling it "one of the most significant steps Iran has taken toward fulfilling its commitments."

Australia to open embassy in Kiev in show of solidarity. "There will be no Australian uranium sales to Russia" (Tony Abbott)

Australia will open an embassy in Kiev and is considering providing military assistance to Ukraine, Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Parliament on Wednesday.

Abbott said the "interim" embassy would support nine Australian federal police investigators who are in Ukraine investigating the Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy.

He said the government was also considering short-term humanitarian and "non-lethal" military assistance to Ukraine.

Iran close to preliminary nuclear deal with world powers.

Al Arabiya

Iran and the world powers appeared headed Friday towards a preliminary nuclear deal that would see some of its atomic activities lifted in exchange for a limited removal of sanctions stifling its economy.

Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state TV that the six - the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany - “clearly said that they accept the proposed framework by Iran.” He later told CNN that he thinks negotiators at the table are now “ready to start drafting” an accord that outlines specific steps to be taken, Associated Press reported.

Iran offered temporary relief from some sanctions if it freezes uranium enrichment...

By Joby Warrick Negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program entered a critical stage Thursday as diplomats weighed a possible interim deal in which Tehran would temporarily freeze its uranium enrichment in return for modest relief on economic sanctions. 

Talks between Iran and six world powers resumed in Geneva amid indications that an agreement could be possible on what U.S. officials have described as a “first step” toward a more comprehensive pact restricting Tehran’s future ability to seek atomic weapons.