Iran (IMNA) - In a meeting with senior managers of American media outlets on Monday, President Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic is fully ready to return to its obligations under the agreement if the U.S. and European parties also fulfill their commitments. He emphasized that Tehran has adhered to all its commitments under the JCPOA, noting that it was former President Donald Trump who withdrew from the deal, while other countries failed to assist in reviving it.
Pezeshkian pointed out that according to a Fatwa issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, which bans any possession and use of weapons of mass destruction, the construction of nuclear weapons has no place in Iran's defense doctrine. He highlighted that while some countries falsely accuse Iran of attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, the nation is under strict inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
His comments prompted reactions, with an American journalist noting that Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's readiness to resume nuclear negotiations but would not discuss a new agreement. In a video interview shared on his Telegram channel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed his willingness to initiate nuclear negotiations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit if other parties are also willing.
Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for a new round of nuclear negotiations and could restart discussions during this trip if other parties are ready. He emphasized that it is essential to monitor differences and hostilities with countries, particularly the United States, and plan how to reduce costs for the Iranian people.
He also mentioned that he would remain in New York for several more days to hold additional meetings with foreign ministers from various nations but rejected the possibility of meeting with his American counterpart.
According to his schedule, Araghchi is set to meet with Josep Borrell, the European Union's foreign policy chief, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, where nuclear negotiations will be among the topics discussed.Pezeshkian's remarks reflect Iran's ongoing commitment to revive dialogue regarding its nuclear program amid complex international relations.
Iran Urges West to Take Meaningful Steps in Nuclear Negotiations
Iran's peaceful nuclear program has escalated into an unnecessary crisis due to the unjustified instrumentalization by the United States, influenced by the Zionist regime and the complicity of the Troika. Before signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Western nations portrayed Iran's nuclear program as a potential threat to international peace and security, invoking the seventh chapter of the United Nations Charter to link the issue to military action and sanctions.
As a result of these efforts, Iran's nuclear case was categorized as PMD (Possible Military Dimensions) by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with Western nations attempting to prove that Iran's scientific and industrial activities aimed at producing nuclear weapons. Despite claims from international nuclear experts that Iran's nuclear case was serious, it was officially closed nearly a decade ago, with the IAEA confirming this in a resolution. Consequently, the West lost its justification for military action against Iran.
After signing the JCPOA in 2014 to alleviate oppressive sanctions, Iran fulfilled its obligations, as confirmed in 16 IAEA reports. However, following Donald Trump's withdrawal from the agreement on May 8, 2018, sanctions that had been lifted were reinstated. In response, Iran activated the dispute resolution mechanism within the JCPOA joint commission in 2018, leading member parties to issue a statement with 11 commitments aimed at compensating for economic damages caused by U.S. actions.
The uneven implementation of these commitments and intensified unilateral sanctions prompted Iran's Supreme National Security Council to gradually halt compliance while allowing for 60-day diplomatic opportunities. Iran continued to meet its obligations for one year after the U.S. withdrawal to give European countries a chance to fulfill their promises. However, as these countries failed to deliver, Iran reduced its commitments under the JCPOA in several phases.
Since taking office in January 2021, President Joe Biden condemned Trump's unilateral actions but did not take credible steps to rectify them. Throughout eight rounds of Vienna negotiations, Iran demonstrated courage and insight by engaging in discussions about preserving the JCPOA, expecting Western parties to adopt a responsible approach. However, experiences from these talks revealed that while Barack Obama aimed to conclude the JCPOA and Trump sought its termination, Biden lacked the necessary will to make decisive moves, leading to a halt in negotiations.
As a responsible nation, Iran has consistently declared its readiness to finalize a stable and reliable agreement that guarantees sanctions relief. In a note for the Tehran Times, Pezeshkian expressed hope for constructive dialogue with European countries based on mutual respect and equality. He urged U.S. decision-makers to recognize that Iran does not respond to pressure and criticized Washington for unlawfully withdrawing from the JCPOA amid domestic conflicts.
Pezeshkian emphasized that decision-makers in Washington must understand that pitting regional countries against each other has failed and will continue to do so. He called on Western parties to take meaningful steps toward reaching a final agreement and ending an unnecessary conflict rather than diverting public opinion.
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