Iran’s top negotiator in talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal said Tehran’s demands in its draft proposals include the continuation of the country’s nuclear activities and removal of sanctions within the frameworks of the accord.
“We emphasize that all activities related to Iran’s nuclear program must continue within the JCPOA framework,” Ali Baqeri said in an interview with a foreign media outlet cited by ISNA, using the abbreviation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the deal is formally called.
He stressed that the same applies to sanctions imposed on Tehran against JCPOA regulations.
“All the sanctions imposed or reimposed under the United States’ ‘maximum pressure campaign’ must be removed immediately,” he said.
Iran and the US started indirect negotiations in the Austrian capital Vienna in April to work out ways to restore the fraying nuclear deal.
Washington pulled out of the painstakingly struck agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions under a so-called “maximum pressure campaign” that prompted Tehran to row back on its commitments in reaction.
The Vienna talks were suspended after six rounds in June due to a change of government in Iran, and were resumed on Monday between Iran’s new delegation and the remaining JCPOA parties, with the US indirectly involved.
The seventh round, however, broke off on Friday as negotiators needed to consult their capitals about Iran’s two new proposals on sanctions-lifting and nuclear steps.
The drafts included reforms on previously agreed documents which European parties said were 70-80% complete.
“We, as the representatives of the new government in Iran and new nuclear negotiators, have presented out views on the [previous] drafts … which concerned the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the drafts as well as reforms,” Baqeri said.
He said the proposals are on the table and Iran is waiting for the other sides’ response, but expects one with “logical reasoning”.
“The plans proposed by Iran cannot be rejected at all because they are based on the regulations of the 2015 nuclear deal,” he said, pointing out that even the US who exited the deal intends to rejoin and the remaining members do not wish to see it fall apart.
Third Draft
Iran also demands verification of sanctions lifting and guarantees that the deal would not be violated again.
“These are serious issues that have been outlined in the third draft,” the senior diplomat said, adding that work on this document will start immediately after the negotiating parties review the other two and officially provide their feedback.
He said participants in Vienna, as well as the US, have accepted the need for verification and assurances in the past rounds, but discussions remain on the details and methods for such measures.
In case the talks fail, Iran’s plan B, according to Baqeri, would be to rely on its domestic capabilities and expand its cooperation with countries who are serious about maintaining their relations with the country.
“We will seriously pursue the economic development of our country,” he said.
Over the past years, the US did its best to restrict Iran’s international ties, he said, but the Islamic Republic proved it can defeat such policies and advance its economy on an effective course.
This, however, does not mean that the US has not caused damage to the country’s economy and people’s lives, which is why Iran is seeking compensation in the Vienna talks, according to Baqeri.
“The issue of compensation has been on the agenda of Vienna talks and will be discussed in the third draft proposal,” he said.
Asked if there is any timeframe for the talks to reach an outcome, he said the other sides’ answers to Iran’s logical proposals can determine the period of time needed.
He concluded that Iran is optimistic about the future and success of the negotiations, given its strong reasoning and determination in continuing dialogue.
“But we will not be deceived because we don’t trust the other side.”
