Europe Should Help Counter Unilateralism

President Hassan Rouhani said the European Union, as an important international player, must help counteract the US unilateral policies and protect the landmark nuclear deal with Iran as a major fruit of multilateral diplomacy.

Rouhani made the remarks in a Thursday phone call with Charles Michel, president of the European Council, during which he highlighted the council’s important role in setting the direction of EU’s major policies and delineating its priorities.

“As an important player in the international arena, the European Union must play a suitable role to counteract the US unilateralism,” Rouhani said, President.ir reported.

In 2018, the US left the nuclear agreement that had been signed in Vienna, Austria, three years earlier and returned the draconian economic sanctions that the deal had lifted.

The United States violations came in sheer disregard for the multi-party nature of the agreement that, apart from Iran, also includes the UK, France, Russia, and China plus Germany. The US measures ignored the fact that the deal has been ratified by the United Nations Security Council in a resolution.

Washington then pressured its allies in the pact, namely the UK, France, and Germany, to abide by the economic bans and stop their trade with Tehran.

Rouhani reiterated that the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which is an important achievement for globally-inclusive diplomacy, should not be allowed to come apart easily.

He called on EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, to continue serving his duty as the coordinator of nuclear talks by devising the steps that could salvage the deal.

Michel laid emphasis on the need to save the nuclear deal and ensure its complete implementation on the part of all signatories. He reiterated Europe’s sustained support for the accord in the aftermath of the US withdrawal.

The European official said given the change in the United States’ ruling structure, an “opportunity has been created” that should be used for conserving JCPOA and enabling its full implementation.

The EU, he added, would play its due role in the area.