Tackling JCPOA Challenges Requires Western Political Will

Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations said tackling the current challenges of the 2015 nuclear deal is “well within reach,” if the United States and European parties demonstrate “genuine political will.” 
“For our part, we are prepared to resume negotiations at the earliest opportunity to restore [the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and ensure its full implementation by all,” Saeed Iravani said in an address to the UN Security Council meeting on nonproliferation, according to the full text of his speech. 
He also reiterated that pressure, intimidation and confrontation are ineffective along this line. 
The JCPOA was signed in 2015 to offer sanctions relief to Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear activity, but the US withdrew unilaterally and reimposed sweeping sanctions, that prompted Tehran to react by scaling back its commitments. 
Negotiations were launched in early 2021 in Vienna Austria, to restore the deal, but have now been in a state of stalemate since last August. 
Iravani said the talks were stalled not because of Iran, but due to the lack of political will by the US and three European parties, including for their internal political considerations. 
“We are still prepared for the resumption of the negotiations, should the other sides be ready to do the same,” he said. 
Iran holds the view that while the JCPOA might not have been flawless and impeccable, it was undoubtedly the most viable option at the time given the circumstances, and it continues to be the optimal and valuable choice among the available options. 
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary A. Dicarlo also underlined in her address to the meeting that diplomacy is the only way to effectively address the Iranian nuclear issue, saying it is essential that all parties renew the dialogue as quickly as possible and reach an agreement on the outstanding issues.
“We remain convinced that the [JCPOA] is the best available option for ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as for allowing Iran to reach its full economic potential,” she said.

Ultra Vires Activities

During the UNCS meeting on Iran’s implementation of UNSCR 2231, western countries accused Iran of violating its commitments, citing the country’s alleged nuclear escalation without civilian justification, missile activity they see inconsistent with the resolution, and weapons proliferation to state and non-state actors. 
Iravani stressed that Iran is fully committed to its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, despite taking legitimate remedial steps beyond the JCPOA based on the terms of the deal.  
“Certain claims against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program … serve no purpose other than putting political pressure on Iran, which will lead nowhere,” he said. 
He also reiterated Iran’s consistent position that its space and missile programs, fall outside the purview or competence of resolution 2231.
Western states have also called on the UN Secretariat to examine and report on Iran’s alleged transfer of weapons, materials, equipment, goods and technology or related services. 
Iravani said the Secretariat’s engagement in the so-called “investigation” to examine the alleged violation of the resolution is clearly beyond the mandate entrusted to it by the Council. 
“These ultra vires activities by the Secretariat are unacceptable and shall be avoided,” he said. 
Iravani also strongly objected to the Presidency of the Council extending an invitation to Ukraine, a member state that has no direct or indirect relevance to the agenda item of this meeting. 
Kiev, along with other western countries, has accused Iran of supplying arms to Russia for its war on Ukraine, which Iran categorically rejects. 
“We do not recognize the presence of Ukraine in this meeting, and we have no intention of addressing the baseless allegations put forth by the representative of Ukraine or certain member states against my country during this meeting regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,” he said.