Iranian Envoy Critiques Western Pressure and Upholds JCPOA Commitments

Iran’s envoy, Naziri Asl, criticized Western sanctions and pressure, emphasizing Iran’s rights under the JCPOA amid claims of nuclear aspirations. He rejected any E3 attempts to trigger the snapback mechanism as illegitimate and underlined the importance of upholding Resolution 2231, especially with ‘Termination Day’ approaching, marking the end of remaining sanctions on Iran.

During a recent IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Iranian envoy Naziri Asl criticized Western-sponsored censure resolutions and ongoing sanctions against Iran, which are based on unfounded accusations regarding nuclear weapons aspirations. He highlighted the breach of commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), initiated with the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and perpetuated by the failure of France, Germany, and Britain to fulfill their obligations subsequently.

The envoy explained that Iran’s reduction of its commitments is a measured response to these transgressions, authorized under Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. He emphasized that Iran would only abandon these measures if sanctions imposed by the U.S., EU, and individual European parties are effectively and verifiably lifted. Notably, he asserted that the current pressure tactics from certain states are not only unproductive but also counteractive.

Naziri Asl also dismissed European calls to activate the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, arguing that E3 nations have previously violated both UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, thereby lacking the authority to implement these legal measures against Iran. He referred to any attempt to trigger snapback as lacking legal merit, unjust, and fundamentally opposed to international law principles.

With the impending ‘Termination Day’ of the JCPOA approaching, which is set for October 2025, the envoy urged the IAEA member states to ensure adherence to Resolution 2231, crucial for the protection of years of diplomatic efforts. He cautioned against jeopardizing the agreement through unfounded actions by European powers that may misuse the snapback mechanism based on Iran’s remedial actions.

In addressing allegations of Iran’s ambitions for nuclear weapons, Naziri Asl reiterated Iran’s commitment against weapons of mass destruction, which are characterized as archaic, inhumane, and a detriment to global security. The imminent ‘Termination Day’ will signify the end of remaining UN sanctions, representing a pivotal phase in the JCPOA’s enforcement, although prior attempts to activate snapback post-Trump administration have faced considerable rejection on the global stage.

In summary, Iran’s representative, Naziri Asl, articulated strong opposition to Western sanctions and pressure tactics, framing them as ineffective and counterproductive. He emphasized Iran’s rights under the JCPOA following violations by Western nations and rejected attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism as legally baseless. As the ‘Termination Day’ nears, Asl called for global compliance with the JCPOA to preserve vital diplomatic accomplishments while reaffirming Iran’s rejection of weapons of mass destruction.

Original Source: ifpnews.com