Nuclear Issue: Iran Calls on Germany, France, and the UK to Make the "Right Choice"

Iran - After a new round of negotiations held in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at preventing Europe from resuming international sanctions under the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran called on the three European countries and the Security Council to make the "right choice."

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said on X TV: "It is now time for the three European countries (Germany, France, and the UK) and the United Nations Security Council to make the right choice, allowing time and space for diplomatic efforts."

The three European countries have warned that if a solution cannot be reached through negotiations, they will initiate the mechanism for the "fast-track restoration of sanctions" under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal this autumn, which would restore international sanctions against Iran.

This agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), imposes strict restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the gradual lifting of UN sanctions. Esmail Baghai, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated before the weekly press conference in Geneva: "Our top priority is to prevent any action or event that could cause significant losses to Iran."

In late July, European countries met in Istanbul to restart dialogue with Iran regarding its nuclear program. This was the first meeting among European countries since the 12-day war in Iran triggered by Israel's attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and military installations on June 13. Western countries are concerned that Iran may continue advancing its nuclear program to acquire nuclear weapons, but the Iranian authorities have denied this claim.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, but the three European countries reaffirmed their commitment to the agreement and their willingness to continue trade with Iran. Therefore, sanctions imposed by the United Nations and Europe have not been restored.

However, European countries accuse Iran of failing to fulfill its commitments and have threatened to resume these commitments before the deadline for the provisions in the agreement that allow Iran to resume its commitments (which will expire in October).

If Iran resumes negotiations with Washington and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the three European countries will extend this period. Mr. Baghai warned: "We will not allow this issue to become a tool for psychological warfare against our citizens."

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif emphasized that the major European powers lack the "legal and moral capacity" to resort to the 'fast-track restoration of sanctions' mechanism.

Source: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841567058103386/

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