UN Calls for Flexibility by JCPOA Parties to Restore Deal 

Parties to the 2015 nuclear deal need to show flexibility to resolve final differences on the revival of the landmark accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres said on Monday. 
“For him, I think what’s important is that all of the parties to the JCPOA demonstrate some flexibility, which is going to be required if you’re going to reach a compromise on the last remaining issues and return to the full implementation of the plan and Resolution 2231 without any further delay,” Stephane Dujarric said at a press briefing, according to the UN website. 
He added that Guterres has had discussions on the deal with a number of partners, including his recent talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. 
The secretary-general continues to have discussions with all JCPOA parties and is constantly briefed by them, according to the spokesman.  
“The secretarygeneral has always been a strong proponent of the JCPOA, and that continues to this day,” he said. 
The 2015 deal offered sanctions relief to Tehran in return for curbs on its nuclear program but the United States pulled out four years ago and reimposed tough sanctions that prompted Iran to row back on its commitments. 
Negotiations in Vienna, Austria, began in April 2021 to work out how both sides could resume compliance, but have been stalled for months over a few outstanding issues. 
Tehran and Washington are currently responding to an initiative prepared by the European Union coordinator, Josep Borrell, but the latest developments have not been promising. 

IAEA Involvement 

While Iran said its recent comments would contribute to the conclusion of an agreement, US officials called it “unconstructive” and a step backwards. 
France, Germany and Britain also issued a statement this week, blaming Iran for raising new demands and questioning the country’s intention and commitment to conclude the negotiations.
Tehran called the statement “unconsidered” and “deviating”, advising the three European countries to play a more active role in helping resolve the few remaining differences, instead of starting a move to destroy the diplomatic process. 
Iran demands strong guarantees for the lifting of sanctions and the US continued adherence, as well as the conclusion of a probe by the International Atomic Energy Agency into nuclear material allegedly found on undeclared sites in Iran. 
Tehran argues that the IAEA safeguards questions are based on fabricated data and could disrupt the implementation of the JCPOA if remain unsolved. 
Western countries have said the issue cannot be linked to the nuclear deal and can only be closed if Iran provides the credible answers that the agency wants. 
The IAEA Board of Governors issued a resolution against Iran in June, after Director General Rafael Grossi reported that Tehran’s explanations about the origin and whereabouts of the uranium traces were not credible. 
Dujarric said the UN secretary-general is not a signatory to the JCPOA, but the IAEA is instead involved in an aspect of the nuclear discussions. 
“Mr. Grossi is, as we know, deeply involved on behalf, shall we say, of the United Nations’ system,” he said.  
Tehran said on Monday that it expects a constructive approach by the IAEA, as the Board of Governors convened to discuss Iran’s safeguards issues among a range of topics. 
“Iran will map out its future measures and reactions … in proportion with developments at the agency and its Board of Governors,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said.
He expressed hope that the director general would maintain his professional role and preserve the position and reputation of this international organization.