Europe Warned Against Misreading Iran’s Patience

Iran has reacted “patiently and responsibly” to Europe’s tardiness in fulfilling its promises to avert the United States’ sanctions against Tehran, but this approach should not be interpreted as submission, Iran’s ambassador to the European Union said. 
In an opinion piece for Euronews, Peyman Sa’adat highlighted Iran’s restraint in not abandoning the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name of the nuclear deal, after US President Donald Trump’s unlawful withdrawal last May, describing it as “maximum maturity, statesmanship and perseverance”.
“In fact, arch-enemies of the JCPOA, expected Iran to withdraw from the deal, so that they could [build] a united front against the country. The Iranian leadership has denied them such a luxury so far,” he wrote. 
He noted, however, that the price Iran pays right now does not match its restraint.  
“It would be, therefore, totally wrong and even risky to misinterpret Iran’s patience and to conclude that, Iran, at any price, will remain with the deal,” he wrote, addressing the European leaders who urged Iran to stay in the deal in return for compensation after the US exit. 
Subsequent to updating the Blocking Statue and renewal of the mandate of the European Investment Bank on Iran, the Special Purpose Vehicle, an entity intended to counter reimposed US sanctions by making it possible for companies to trade with Iran, was placed at the heart of Europe’s pledge.
The statute bans any EU company from complying with the US sanctions against firms investing in or doing business with Iran and the mandate adds Iran to the list of countries outside the EU, which are eligible for EIB lending.
Nevertheless, “while practicability of Blocking Statue or EIB’s mandate is under serious doubt, the much-pledged SPV has not arrived either”.
This situation, according to Sa’adat, makes Iran consider all viable and carefully considered options. 
“In fact, the leadership has already instructed preparations for the eventuality if things go amiss,” he said.

Faulty Equation 

The envoy censured European entities, private and public, for submitting to the violator of the international deal and refusing to work with Iran that has been the compliant party as confirmed by the United Nations nuclear watchdog in consecutive reports.
“Under this faulty equation, the violator wins and the compliant loses,” he said.
According to Sa'adat, the marginal price of political statements by Europe in favor of JCPOA, as strong and recurrent as they might be, does not provide adequate reason for Iran to endure the deal. 
“Not only the dynamic political groups but currently many Iranians find sticking one-sidedly to a deal that has failed to produce the committed economic dividends unjustified,” he added. 
JCPOA provides Iran and Europe with a platform for engagement and dialogue, as even under the current circumstances, it has encouraged the two sides in the Yemen crisis to engage in four rounds of fruitful dialogue, quite helpful in advancing the ongoing peace talks. 
“That can expand to other regional issues, the possibility for which is pending on saving the JCPOA in the first place.”
Sa'adat warned that the current situation of uncertainty is becoming perilous for Europe. 
“Europe’s inaction has a price. It will only cause Iran to lose patience and trust. My worry is that things might soon be hanging by a thread,” he concluded.