Iran FM: JCPOA Hiatus Outcome of U.S. Wrong Policy
TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday blamed the United States for the stalemate in talks aimed at reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying the current situation is due to Washington’s policies and miscalculations.
Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks during the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament in the Swiss city of Geneva.
“The current status of the JCPOA is the product of the U.S. policies and miscalculations. Our past experience taught us to become engaged in the new round of negotiations with more care and sensitivity,” he said.
The top Iranian diplomat went on to say that the few remaining issues regarding the talks on the revival of the agreement could be addressed easily.
“Therefore, without any preconditions and through goodwill and determination of all parties and within the framework of the negotiations held until now, the final steps of the talks can be taken,” he said.
Amir-Abdollahian further noted that the U.S. needs to have “the will and strength to conclude the lengthy talks,” stressing that the Islamic Republic remains ready to continue the talks until the conclusion of an agreement.
He also urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to abandon its political approach in order to get close to a technical solution.
The Iranian foreign minister also warned the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog against any unwise decision by the IAEA Board of Governors during an upcoming meeting in March, saying Tehran reserves the right to give an appropriate response.
He also reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is fully peaceful and will remain so, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will remain fully committed to its obligations under its comprehensive safeguards agreement as confirmed till now.
Iran rolled back its compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Iran says an agreement on the revival of the deal hinges on the settlement of issues between Tehran and the IAEA, as well as the removal of all U.S. sanctions on the country.
Amir-Abdollahian, UN Chief Discuss Regional, Int’l Issues
Also on the sidelines of the 52nd regular session of the Human Rights
Council on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres talked about a broad range of regional and international issues in Geneva.
The top Iranian diplomat and the UN chief held detailed and constructive talks about various regional and international issues, including Yemen, Ukraine, human rights issues, and actions and developments related to strengthening the process of regional stability and convergence, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
They further discussed the latest developments concerning cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency in order to resolve technical differences, a planned visit of the IAEA’s officials to Tehran, the ongoing diplomatic moves, and the measures regarding the sanctions removal talks and the return of all parties to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Amir-Abdollahian and Guterres agreed that all sides need to take coordinated steps that have been envisioned regarding those issues.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt, in a meeting with her Iranian counterpart, she highlighted the Islamic Republic’s significant role in the region, and stressed the need for Iran’s involvement in regional initiatives.
She also emphasized the importance of Iran’s participation and engagement in regional initiatives.
Huitfeldt further outlined her country’s views about a series of issues of mutual interest.
For his part, Amir-Abdollahian welcomed the idea of closer political consultations between Tehran and Oslo.
Deploring the “unconstructive stances and miscalculations” of certain European governments in relation to the recent riots in Iran and decrying the incorrect remarks from Norway’s parliament president, Amir-Abdollahian stated, “We believe that dialogue could clear up misunderstandings.”
On the conflict in Ukraine, the Iranian foreign minister reiterated Tehran’s opposition to the expansion of NATO and continuation of war in Ukraine, stressing that Iran supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
The two senior diplomats agreed on the continuation of consultations and political talks between Iran and Norway.