European countries should take effective steps to counter US unilateralism and the effects of re-imposed sanctions against Iran, says Tehran's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna.
"The European signatories to the JCPOA should stand against US unilateralism with full force and do more to mitigate the negative impact of the unilateral and illegal sanctions that have been reimposed on Iran," Kazem Gharib-Abadi said in a meeting with two British envoys, ISNA reported on Thursday.
He described the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as a major diplomatic achievement in his talks with Leigh Turner, UK permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, and David Hall, ambassador and UK resident representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran's Compliance
Gharib-Abadi thanked the UK for its support of the nuclear agreement and added that the UN nuclear watchdog has verified Iran's compliance in multiple reports.
"The IAEA and the countries concerned must create a favorable environment so that Iran can benefit from peaceful nuclear cooperation and technical assistance to the maximum while enjoying the economic benefits stipulated in the JCPOA without any impediment," Gharib-Abadi said.
He said consultations should continue between the Iran and UK missions on issues of mutual concern, such as the nuclear accord and IAEA mechanisms.
Anti-Drug Campaign
He touched upon the campaign against illegal drugs and called on the international community and global organizations to adopt an implement effective strategies to tackle the growing universal scourge.
Gharib-Abadi briefed the British envoys on steps taken by Iran in its war on illicit drugs and lamented that international organizations have failed to provide the country with sufficient technical and financial assistance in the costly and dangerous campaign against drug trafficking.
UK Support
Turner and Hall reiterated their country's support for the nuclear accord and said they are determined to work with Iran and their European partners to save the deal and ensure that Tehran will continue to benefit from it.
US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear pact in May 8 and ordered the reimposition of US sanctions against Tehran that were suspended under the historic agreement.
Some sanctions took effect after a 90-day wind-down period ending on August 6, and the rest, most notably on the petroleum sector, will be enforced in November.
