Iran’s atomic energy chief said Tehran would lift uranium enrichment to 60% purity if the United States moves to restore sanctions that were eased under the 2015 nuclear agreement, according to state media reports on Sunday.

The warning underscores growing tensions over the future of the nuclear deal and the risk of further escalation between Tehran and Washington. A return to higher enrichment levels would deepen concerns among Western governments about Iran’s nuclear program, which has already expanded well beyond the limits set by the JCPOA.

The standoff also carries broader consequences for ordinary Iranians, who have long borne the economic pain of sanctions, currency weakness, and government policy failures. Any renewed pressure campaign could further strain civilian livelihoods even as officials continue to trade threats over the nuclear file.

Reuters reported the comments as part of a familiar cycle of pressure and retaliation between Iran and the United States, with both sides still far from a durable diplomatic settlement.