National
0

Russian Deputy FM in Tehran to Discuss Nuclear Deal

Russian Deputy FM in Tehran to Discuss Nuclear Deal
Russian Deputy FM in Tehran to Discuss Nuclear Deal

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for a single-day visit to discuss the 2015 nuclear deal with Iranian officials. 
He met his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, at the Foreign Ministry building where they surveyed the latest developments regarding the nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, ISNA reported.  
Russia's call for a meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission was among the subjects of discussion between the two senior diplomats. 
The landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and the six world powers has been facing a risk of breakdown since the United States abandoned it last year and restored the lifted sanctions on Tehran. 
The remaining parties to the deal have also failed to deliver on their promises to shield Iran against the US hostile measures while Washington's pressure campaign has dramatically intensified. 
In response to the intensifying US measures and other parties' lack of seriousness, Iran stopped its compliance with two of its obligations under the agreement in early May. 
It gave the JCPOA signatories 60 days to implement plans to protect Iran's rights, announcing that it would otherwise further reduce its commitments. 
The European Union rejected the deadline in a statement, but reiterated its support for the deal and continued efforts to keep trade with Iran afloat. 
The EU has introduced a payment channel known as INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) to facilitate trade with Iran, which has not been activated yet.  
Russia, however, called for a session of the JCPOA Joint Commission so that countries participating in the agreement jointly determine ways of normalizing the situation and guarantee that the deal stays. 
It also urged European parties to complete their steps to address Iran's concerns. 
"A lot depends on our European colleagues and their capability to duly react to Iran’s concerns, creating conditions for maintaining trade-economic ties with Iran for the interested European companies," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a recent statement. 
Iran has refused to enter into talks with the US once again, despite Washington's call for renegotiation. 
President Hassan Rouhani signaled on Wednesday that talks would only be possible if the US lifted its pressure.
“Whenever they remove the unjust sanctions and meet their commitments and return to the negotiating table, which they left themselves, the door is not closed," he said in a Cabinet meeting. 
He made the statement days after US President Donald Trump said a deal with Tehran on its nuclear program was conceivable.
“I really believe that Iran would like to make a deal, and I think that’s very smart of them, and I think that’s a possibility to happen.”
Rouhani stressed, however, that "our people judge you by your actions, not your words".

Add new comment

Read our comment policy before posting your viewpoints

Financialtribune.com