The 2015 nuclear deal has contributed substantially to preserving Iran’s national security, particularly by shielding it from a possible UN-authorized military intervention, a former diplomat said.
“If there was no JCPOA, we would go back to the situation in 2012-13, where we faced not only threats of sanctions but also military threats,” Ali Khorram also told IRNA in a recent interview, using the abbreviation for the nuclear deal’s full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Threats of military strike against Tehran continued through 2012 and 2013, with then-US president, Barack Obama, warning that his administration was prepared to use a “military component” to contain Iran’s nuclear program, which it says is solely for peaceful purposes.
Khorram, who is an international affairs analyst, cited articles 41 and 42 under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to support his argument, saying that the nuclear accord helped alleviate fear of military confrontation.
Article 41 authorizes measures not involving the use of armed force, including complete or partial interruption of economic relations and the severance of diplomatic relations, to eliminate any perceived threat to international peace and security.
Article 42 says that if the UN Security Council deems those steps “inadequate”, it may take further action such as "operations by air, sea or land forces of members of the United Nations".
“So, if there were no nuclear agreement and commitments, the United States and its regional allies would have a free hand to attack Iran as it had no protection. JCPOA provided Iran with a supportive shield, which helps us safeguard our national security and prevent others from issuing military threats against our country,” the analyst said.
Deal’s Benefits
There is no “ideal” international agreement because all parties have to make certain compromises that would help serve their national interests in the long term, he said, adding that the nuclear pact helped turn the tide in Iran’s favor.
“Thanks to JCPOA, the international community has stood against [US President Donald] Trump and US sanctions, and the agreement committed Europe, China and Russia to supporting Iran.”
Since Trump withdrew the United States in May from the multinational deal and ordered sanctions reimposed on Tehran, the remaining signatories, particularly France, Britain and Germany, have been scrambling to ensure Iran retains enough economic benefits to persuade it not to pull out.
Khorram criticized those inside the country who have been trivializing the achievements of JCPOA and leveling accusations against the country’s diplomats who successfully negotiated it.
“All countries have been trying to achieve a national consensus and follow a united foreign policy,” he said, adding that actions and words that could play into the hands of the enemy and undermine national unity should be avoided.
The expert said European companies and investors cannot be expected to keep trading with Iran, if doubts are repeatedly raised about the agreement’s effectiveness inside the country despite the decision by top authorities to remain part of the deal for now.
