Call for Prudence, Flexibility in Nuclear Issue

EghtesadOnline: Iran should choose a path of "political prudence" and "diplomatic flexibility" regarding the nuclear issue to avoid isolation on the international stage, a political analyst said.

News ID: ۷۴۷۷۴۳

02 July 2019

It is true that European efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal have so far failed to meet Iranian expectations, but it should undertake a "measured" response in the coming days to prevent the formation of an international front against the country, Ali Bigdeli also told the Iranian Diplomacy website in a recent interview.

Iran's envoy to a meeting of the remaining signatories to the nuclear accord said on Friday that European countries had offered too little at last-ditch talks to persuade Tehran to drop its plan to surpass limits imposed by the deal.

The United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord, technically called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, according to Financial Tribune.

Tehran then stopped complying on May 8 with some of its commitments under the nuclear agreement. It said it would suspend further obligations after another 60 days.

Bigdeli, also an expert on international affairs, said there is a "meaningful gap" between the steps taken by Europe to offset the US exit and Tehran's demands, especially in terms of trade.

"However, the Islamic Republic should not pave the way for the Europeans to join hands with the United States, Israel and Persian Gulf Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, because otherwise a global alliance would be forged against Tehran," he said.

Iran has repeatedly criticized delays in European countries setting up a trading mechanism that aims to circumvent US economic sanctions.

On Friday, Britain, France and Germany said the trade channel, known as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges or INSTEX, was finally up and running. Iranian officials say it would be useful only if Europe buys Iranian oil or considers acceptable credit lines for the mechanism.

Common Goal

The situation is vague and very complicated. Both sides have very high expectations from each other, but neither Tehran nor Europe would like to abandon the JCPOA and let it collapse, Bigdeli said.

That is why European governments have intensified their diplomatic efforts in recent weeks to convince Tehran to fully abide by the accord, he added.

The expert explained that if Iran follows through with its plans to resume higher uranium enrichment in early July, the situation surrounding the nuclear issue will be upended and Iran's case would be referred to the United Nations Security Council.

"It is necessary that the Islamic Republic respond firmly to America's sanctions and unjust pressure over the past year and strongly criticize the Europeans' failure to fulfill their commitments to be able to secure its rights under the JCPOA, but we should be aware of the sensitivity of the existing conditions," he said.

Bigdeli noted that Iranian authorities should opt for "political vigilance" and "diplomatic flexibility" to thwart Washington's plans to create a coalition against the Islamic Republic and make a case against it at the UN Security Council.

“Any provocative measure could turn the tables on Iran and lead to its isolation whereas the US is currently alone in its confrontation with Tehran.