Iran's foreign ministry on Friday rejected criticism by France, Germany, Britain and the United States of its increase in uranium enrichment, saying this was part of its peaceful nuclear programme.

"Enrichment at 60% level in Iran's enrichment centres has always been and will continue to be in accordance with the peaceful needs of the country and fully under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani told state media.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Alex Richardson)