The looming crisis over Iran's nuclear programme heated up in late June following revelations that Tehran intends to restart production of centrifuges for enriching uranium: a key component in making atomic arms. The Iranian situation "is worrisome but not yet desperate", a European diplomat said. According to US Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Bolton, Iran told France, Germany and the UK that it would restart production of components for its uranium-enrichment centrifuges: a step that appears to contradict an earlier pledge. Last October, Iran informed the three European countries, in what is known as the Tehran Declaration, that it would suspend uranium-enrichment work. Bolton added on 24 June that "they have not, at least at this point, said they would resume actual enrichment activities". Still, US officials contended, they believe the move is in preparation for beginning enrichment at a later date.
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