WANA (Sep 10) – Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Vienna criticized the U.S. and three European countries for breaching their commitments under the JCPOA, stressing that the root cause of the current crisis lies in Washington’s unilateral withdrawal and Europe’s repeated violations. Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, Reza Najafi said the Islamic Republic of Iran remains ready for constructive engagement, but any agreement will only be possible if concrete, verifiable, and strong guarantees are provided for the full and effective lifting of sanctions.

 

Najafi pointed to the recent actions of the UK, France, and Germany, saying these countries have blatantly violated UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, severely limiting the space for constructive dialogue. He recalled that since the implementation of the JCPOA in 2016, the United States and the three European countries not only failed to honor their commitments but also repeatedly obstructed the normalization of Iran’s trade and economic relations.

 

Referring to consecutive reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Najafi underlined that Iran has granted the Agency the highest level of cooperation and access—something explicitly confirmed in 15 consecutive Director General’s reports as well as in the latest report. He added that the suspension of certain inspections and verification activities in Iran was not due to Iran’s actions, but rather the result of unlawful attacks by the U.S. and Israel against safeguarded nuclear facilities, which forced the Agency to withdraw its inspectors for security reasons.

 

The Iranian envoy further stressed that the ongoing JCPOA crisis stems from the U.S. withdrawal and Europe’s repeated breaches, noting that any attempt by the three European states to trigger the so-called “snapback” mechanism is legally invalid. He emphasized that, according to the agreed timetable, Resolution 2231 must terminate on October 18, 2025.

 

Najafi also criticized the European Union’s approach as the coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission, describing it as inconsistent with its duty of neutrality. He said the recent positions of EU officials and the three European countries not only undermine the principles and spirit of the JCPOA but also strip them of their credibility as valid participants in the agreement.

 

Concluding his remarks, Najafi underlined that the goal of any agreement must be the normalization of Iran’s trade, financial, and economic relations, the protection of its nuclear facilities and scientists, and the recognition of Iran’s sovereign right to enrich uranium on its own soil.