Iran Appoints Reza Najafi as Ambassador to UN Nuclear Watchdog

Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as its new ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, including the UN nuclear watchdog, replacing Mohsen Naziri-Asl. Najafi previously held this role from 2013 to 2018, during pivotal nuclear deal negotiations. The JCPOA collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, leading to rising tensions and allegations of nuclear weapon development.

Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as its new ambassador and permanent representative to various international organizations based in Vienna, including the UN nuclear watchdog. This information was reported by local media, specifically the ISNA news agency. Najafi will succeed Mohsen Naziri-Asl, who has held the role since 2022.

Prior to this appointment, Reza Najafi served as the deputy foreign minister and represented Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2013 to 2018. During his previous tenure, he played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement that aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, the JCPOA collapsed in 2018 when the United States withdrew from the agreement under President Donald Trump, who reinstated stringent sanctions against Iran amid allegations concerning its nuclear ambitions. Although Tehran initially adhered to the deal after the U.S. withdrawal, it gradually began to scale back its commitments.

The current geopolitical climate suggests ongoing tensions, with Trump’s administration resuming its “maximum pressure” approach against Iran. The head of the UN atomic agency, Rafael Grossi, recently reported that Iran is enriching uranium at levels nearing weapon-grade, indicating the potential for further escalations. Despite expressed willingness to revive the JCPOA, negotiations remain stalled, with Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stating that “no problem will be solved by negotiating with America.”

In summary, Iran’s appointment of Reza Najafi highlights a continued effort to engage with international bodies regarding its nuclear program. Najafi’s previous experience during the JCPOA discussions places him in a strategically significant role amid ongoing tensions following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement. The current state of uranium enrichment and diplomatic standoffs suggest a complex future for Iran’s nuclear ambitions and international negotiations.

Original Source: www.dawn.com