US Implementation of UN Resolution Essential for Dialogue on JCPOA

Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN Majid Takht-Ravanchi made the statement at a UN Security Council meeting on the implementation of the resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, IRNA reported.

The US has abandoned the agreement and restored sweeping sanctions on Tehran while offering to engage in talks over differences, which Iran has rejected unless all forms of pressure are lifted, according to Financial Tribune.

Takht-Ravanchi said the proposal is in keeping with the US habit of entering dialogue from a position of strength rather than equal footing, emphasizing that "Iran does not negotiate under the threat of a sword".

"The implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231 by the US will pave the way for a genuine dialogue to start within the framework of the nuclear deal," he said.  

The comments came after US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft renewed the US offer at the meeting.

Washington has left the deal, arguing that it does not cover all areas of concern about Iran's actions, including its ballistic missile program and regional role.

Takht-Ravanchi underlined that legitimate means of defense is an inherent right of any country under international law, especially as Iran is located in a volatile and insecure region.

"Under no circumstances will Iran compromise on its security," he said. 

Actual War

Iran’s UN envoy also described the US policies as "actual war but by other means and names" because in addition to restrictions that are negatively affecting the daily lives of millions of Iranians, it has extended its sanctions even to humanitarian goods. 

He said the measures are "collective punishment" of the general public and "inhumane in nature" as they target the most vulnerable groups of people.

Takht-Ravanchi later provided examples of how lack of medicine and medical equipment is not only aggravating the pain of children and adults with rare diseases, but also taking their lives. 

He called on the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to thoroughly report on the US sanctions and their inhumane impacts.

Takht-Ravanchi’s accounts of a two-year-old girl who died of a rare disease as a result of the sanctions prompted the US envoy to approach him in a rare compassionate move, apparently to express her condolences, according to Reuters. 

Despite the hardships, Iran continued to fully implement its commitments for a year, based on assurances of compensation by the remaining parties. 

However, none of these assurances has materialized till today, leaving Iran with no option but to implement measures to correct the imbalance created in the deal.

"The deal needs more than one willing and able party to be fully implemented," he said. 

In the face of pressure by the US and continued inaction by European parties, Iran has ceased performing its commitments in part, but on a step by step basis so as to give room for diplomacy. It has also announced that the moves will be immediately reversed once the full implementation of the deal by other parties is guaranteed. 

"Iran will take necessary measures to secure its national interests and our options are not limited," Takht-Ravanchi said.