WANA (Mar 05) – The European Troika (UK, France, and Germany) has once again cast doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, stating: “We continue our efforts to reach a diplomatic solution and are prepared to use all diplomatic levers to achieve this goal.”

 

The UK’s representative to international organizations in Vienna issued a statement on behalf of the European Troika during the quarterly meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, criticizing Iran’s nuclear activities.

 

Despite failing to uphold their own commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the three European nations accused Iran of breaching the deal, while Iran maintains that its nuclear activities remain within peaceful and legal frameworks.

 

Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Advancements

The European Troika expressed concern over the latest IAEA reports on Iran’s nuclear activities, calling them “worrying.” They praised the IAEA’s “professional, independent, and impartial” work and commended Director General Rafael Grossi.

 

The UK representative in Vienna stated: “According to the latest IAEA report, cooperation between Iran and the agency remains unchanged. Iran’s nuclear activities and their intensity are unprecedented for a country without nuclear weapons. The agency cannot confirm the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Furthermore, recent statements by Iranian officials about shifting their nuclear policy pose a serious threat to global security.”

 

The Troika also criticized Iran for expanding its nuclear program and rejecting the appointment of four “experienced” IAEA inspectors, calling it a violation of the JCPOA. They alleged: “Iran rejected negotiation outcomes twice in 2022 and instead chose escalation, further advancing its nuclear program far beyond JCPOA limits and civilian needs. This poses a serious risk to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT).”

 

Calls for Iran to Reverse Course

The European Troika urged Tehran to immediately halt its nuclear expansion and return to JCPOA-imposed restrictions. “We call on Iran to stop and roll back its nuclear escalation, refrain from nuclear-related threats, and comply with JCPOA limits, particularly regarding uranium enrichment and stockpiles,” the statement read.

 

The Troika also demanded that Iran fully implement the commitments outlined in the March 2023 joint statement with the IAEA, restore all transparency measures suspended in February 2021, and allow IAEA surveillance equipment to be reinstalled. Additionally, they insisted that Iran reinstate the additional protocol and revoke its September 2023 decision to withdraw experienced IAEA inspectors.

 

The statement concluded with a warning: “Given the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, there is an urgent need to address these concerns. The international community must remain united and firm to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The European Troika will continue its diplomatic efforts and is prepared to use all available diplomatic tools to achieve this goal.”

 

Iran Rejects Western Pressure

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their nuclear program. They have also criticized Western nations for their double standards, pointing out that France—backed by the UK—has advocated for a European nuclear umbrella, raising concerns about its own NPT violations.

 

In response to the renewed European threats, Mohsen Naziri Asl, Iran’s ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, addressed the IAEA Board of Governors, stating: “It has been proven that the policy of pressure, as pursued by some, is counterproductive and ineffective. We are committed to our obligations and, as an independent nation, will continue to pursue national priorities aimed at prosperity and the well-being of our great nation.”

 

Naziri Asl reiterated Iran’s willingness to fully restore its nuclear commitments—provided that the U.S. and the European Troika lift sanctions in an effective and verifiable manner and resume full compliance with the JCPOA.