Iran will react to any act of unfaithfulness by parties to the 2015 nuclear deal within the framework of the very agreement and mechanisms envisioned in it, a senior Iranian diplomat said in reference to reports of the European countries’ intention to retain ballistic missile sanctions set to expire in October under the accord.
“As a responsible member of the JCPOA, Iran will monitor developments in this regard and act in proportion to the measures of the other sides, just as nuclear countermeasures were a response to America’s exit from the deal and Europe’s inaction,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said at a regular press briefing on Monday, IRNA reported.
JCPOA stands for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers that restricted Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.
The deal has been unravelling since the United States pulled out in 2018 and reimposed tough sanctions that prompted Tehran to scale back its commitments.
The landmark pact included a series of dates or so-called sunset clauses by which certain sanctions on entities are due to be lifted by the West.
On this basis, EU sanctions are due to expire on 18 October under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 that enshrined the JCPOA.
The sanctions “called upon” Iran not to do anything to develop ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons. They also barred anyone from buying, selling or transferring drones and their components capable of flying more than 300 km to or from Iran without prior authorization from the UN Security Council.
The three European powers, however, are expected to announce plans to breach the JCPOA when they confirm they are not going to lift those sanctions.
The justification cited by European diplomats included Iran’s own reciprocal steps beyond JCPOA limits, Iran’s alleged sale of drones to Russia for use in its war on Ukraine, and the possible future transfers to Russia of Iran’s ballistic missiles, according to the Guardian.
Kanaani said media reports about the implementation or non-implementation of Europe’s commitments on the Transition Day are no criterion for Iran’s decision-making and action.
Based on schedule drawn up in UNSCR 2231, the Transition Day, which will take place 8 years after the JCPOA’s adoption, will trigger the lifting of the remaining nuclear-related sanctions, ballistic missile restrictions, and related designations.
Negotiating Table
The spokesman was later asked about the latest status of negotiations on the revival of the JCPOA, which began in early 2021 but reached a stalemate in August last year.
He said “traces of realism and keeping away from an unconstructive attitude and destructive policies” have recently been seen in the other negotiating sides.
“But this is not enough for us; we are committed to the negotiating table,” he said.
He appeared to be referring to recent engagements between the US and Iran to lower tensions.
The two countries have recently conducted talks mediated by Oman, with Indonesia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates also being involved, according to Iranian officials.
That talks are reportedly focused on Iran agreeing not to enrich uranium beyond 60% in return for the West releasing billions in frozen funds, as well as a prisoner exchange.
Kanaani stressed that Iran is ready for any situation in the future.
“We are ready for any scenario, such as the conclusion of talks or anything else,” he said, adding that Iran has pursued its balanced foreign policy in relation to different countries without regard to the course or outcome of the negotiations.
Regarding suspension of Robert Malley, the US special envoy for Iran, Kanaani said Iran would not comment on other countries’ internal affairs.
“For us, the behavior and actions of the US government matters, not the people, since the change of individuals cannot make notable changes in their policies,” he said.
Malley has been suspended by the US State Department over the possible mishandling of confidential information, and Abram Paley is serving as acting special envoy.
