Statement by the European Troika against Iran: Iran did not seize the vital diplomatic opportunity
The European Troika has released a new statement against Iran regarding the nuclear deal negotiations. According to Fars, quoting the German Foreign Ministry’s website, the statement says:
In early August, after a year and a half of negotiations, the JCPOA coordinator presented a text that enables Iran’s return to compliance with its JCPOA commitments and the U.S.’s return to the agreement.
In this final package, the coordinator made changes that brought us to the utmost feasible flexibility. Unfortunately, Iran chose not to seize this vital diplomatic opportunity. Instead, Iran continued its nuclear program beyond any tangible civilian justification.
When we were nearing an agreement, Iran reopened separate issues related to legally binding commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the safeguards agreement made with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
This recent request has raised serious doubts about Iran’s intent and commitment to achieving a successful outcome regarding the JCPOA. Iran’s position is in contradiction with its legally binding commitments and undermines the prospects of reviving the JCPOA. In June, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency passed a resolution by an overwhelming majority, urging Iran to take immediate action to answer the agency’s outstanding questions. Three months later, according to the agency’s director-general’s latest report, Iran has taken no steps in this regard.
Our position is clear and firm: Iran must fully, promptly, and in good faith cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is Iran’s responsibility to provide credible technical answers to the agency’s questions about the location of all nuclear materials within its territory. The JCPOA cannot be used in any way to absolve Iran of legally binding commitments essential for the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Given Iran’s inability to reach a conclusion on the agreement on the table, we will consult with our international partners on the best approach to address the continuation of Iran’s nuclear program escalation and lack of cooperation with the agency on the safeguards agreement.