Nuclear Pact’s Endurance Depends on Ensuring Iran’s Interests

Britain has recognized that it is not viable to uphold the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement without guaranteeing Iran’s interests in the deal, the spokesperson of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said.

Behrouz Kamalvandi made the statement in reference to a meeting between British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and AEOI chief Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran on Sunday, which was focused on the nuclear accord.

“In his meeting with Mr. Salehi, the British foreign minister received the message that it is not possible to preserve the landmark deal without ensuring Iran’s interests, and naturally the message should be relayed to the US via Mr. Johnson,” he told state television, Fars News Agency reported.

The deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, came into force in January 2016 to remove sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities.

But US President Donald Trump has voiced strong opposition to the agreement, threatening to “terminate” it unless his demands for fixing the perceived flaws are addressed.

Kamalvandi also said, “It was evident from Mr. Johnson’s words that [Britain] sees Iran as a key player in resolving regional issues, which is very a significant matter.

In addition, the nuclear deal has turned into an international concern, supported by all, except a minority in the United States.”

  Banking Problems

As an example of one of Iran’s interests that is not being fulfilled, Kamalvandi mentioned obstacles that have hindered banking transactions.

“The main issue in this regard is banking transactions. We have no problems in other areas. Perhaps, the first step would be to stop efforts meant to discourage major banks from working with us,” he said.

Johnson has on many occasions expressed support for the international agreement and UK’s full commitment toward it. He recently made a trip to Washington to persuade US officials to remain compliant with JCPOA.

“He [Johnson] referred to his meetings with different political figures in the United States, implying that if Trump keeps insisting on disavowal of JCPOA, he will definitely face a big challenge,” the spokeman said.

Johnson arrived in Tehran on Saturday and met with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to discuss Tehran-London relationship.

The British foreign secretary emphasized the need for continued consultations with the Iranian government, saying London is willing to expand bilateral relations with Tehran.

“Iran is a significant country in a strategically important, but volatile and unstable, region which matters to the UK’s security and prosperity,” Johnson said.

“While our relationship with Iran has improved significantly since 2011, it is not straightforward and on many issues we do not agree. But I am clear that dialogue is key to managing our differences and, where possible, making progress on issues that really matter, even under difficult conditions,” he added.