Russia Concerned About US Push to Scuttle JCPOA

EghtesadOnline: The United States’ actions aimed at preventing the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal are a source of concern for all parties to the agreement, a senior Russian diplomat said.

News ID: ۷۴۶۹۳۴

17 March 2019

In a briefing on Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova censured Washington for trying to block the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the formal name of the nuclear deal) while Iran fully meets its obligations under the accord.

“Iran strictly complies with all relevant requirements [under JCPOA]. This is regularly confirmed by the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency],” she said, Urdu Point reported.

According to Financial Tribune, she added that nuclear activities in Iran are under the constant control of the agency and are “an example of transparency.”

IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, has confirmed Iran’s commitment to the terms of JCPOA in 14 consecutive reports.

Zakharova highlighted Iran’s fulfillment of its pledge to convert a uranium enrichment facility in Fordow into a facility that produces stable isotopes.

“Russian nuclear energy experts have lent their assistance on this particular project,” she said.

Under JCPOA, which was signed between Iran and six world powers, including the US and Russia, Iran agreed to place curbs on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

However, US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the deal last year, saying it is defective and needs to be renegotiated to cover other areas of Iran’s activity, including its missile programs and regional policies.

He unilaterally restored the sanctions on Tehran in two rounds in August and November 2018, seriously weakening the country’s economy.

Iran and other parties, namely China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union, have refused to follow suit, maintaining that JCPOA is an achievement of successful international diplomacy and can pave the way for agreements on other issues of concern.

They have been seeking to find tools to bypass sanctions and preserve Iran’s interests under JCPOA.