Iran cautioned European nations against new sanctions while nuclear talks with the US evolve. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that misuse of the snapback mechanism could jeopardize Europe’s role in the nuclear deal. While negotiations continue, stark differences remain over Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
On May 11, Iran issued a strong warning to European nations involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement. This warning comes at a critical juncture as another round of discussions about Iran’s nuclear ambitions wrapped up in Oman. The official report by IRNA on May 12 highlights Iran’s concerns regarding the potential invocation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’s snapback mechanism by Britain, France, and Germany, collectively referred to as the E3.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to social media to address the concerns with the E3, cautioning that a move to reimpose UN sanctions through the snapback process could lead to “irreversible consequences.” He asserted that such action could permanently diminish Europe’s role in the nuclear framework. Despite these tensions, he expressed that Iran remains open to diplomatic channels and even suggested traveling to key European capitals to foster dialogue, a proposal that has already led to preliminary talks at the deputy level.
The backdrop to these events includes the unceremonious withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump. After a change in administration, Trump has continued to escalate tensions, threatening military options against Iran if a new agreement cannot be reached. This ongoing contention underlines the fragile nature of negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Araghchi’s latest critiques followed thoughts he shared in an op-ed featured in the French publication Le Point. He alarmed European nations by highlighting that a snapback could incite a “global non-proliferation crisis,” with Europe bearing significant consequences. This statement underscores the interconnected risks as diplomatic efforts develop between Iran and Western powers.
Meanwhile, the recent discussions between Iranian and US negotiators, which spanned three hours in Muscat, Oman, were characterized as “difficult but useful” by Iran’s Foreign Ministry. Mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, these talks are part of ongoing efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for a potential easing of certain sanctions. However, the path forward is obstructed by vastly differing objectives.
Iran asserts that it will retain its uranium enrichment program, viewing it as a key aspect of national sovereignty. The US, on the other hand, insists on the total dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities as a prerequisite for any accord. In a subsequent televised address, Araghchi stressed that while Iran might entertain limits akin to previous agreements, it would never fully relinquish its enrichment endeavors.
In stark contrast, Witkoff, leading the US team, conveyed in an interview with Breitbart that any deal must eradicate all enrichment activities, emphasizing the necessity to dismantle significant sites like Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The clashing perspectives reveal just how challenging it will be to reach a consensus moving forward.
In summary, Iran has issued a grave warning to European powers regarding potential new sanctions amid ongoing nuclear discussions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s remarks suggest that missteps could have dire consequences for European involvement in the nuclear deal. With stark differences between Iran’s and the US’s positions on uranium enrichment, future negotiations appear fraught with challenges. The ongoing standoff highlights the complexities of the problem and the need for continued diplomacy.
Original Source: thecradle.co
