EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell confirmed that the European Union wants Iran to fully return to the nuclear agreement and calls for the lifting of American sanctions, emphasizing that the agreement is important for security and stability in the region.
In a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Borrell stated, "We want Iran to fully return to the agreement and for the American sanctions to be lifted. This agreement is important for security and stability in the region... I will seek appropriate solutions as the coordinator of the action plan." Borrell expressed significant concern over Iran's intention to implement its decision to stop enforcing the Additional Protocol of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He referred to the temporary agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Tehran, noting that this would allow for future investigations and provide an opportunity to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Borrell called for U.S. sanctions on Iran to be lifted and for Iran to return to the nuclear agreement, at a time when Tehran continues to renege on its commitments under the agreement signed in 2015 in response to the U.S. withdrawal. European foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels today, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken participating via videoconference, and the Iranian nuclear file will be a significant agenda item.
Tehran announced that it is considering a proposal from the EU to participate in an informal meeting attended by the U.S. and other members of the nuclear agreement, while an Iranian official asserted that there is no meaning in any return to the agreement without verifying Washington's seriousness. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country is reviewing the EU's proposal to hold a meeting with the participation of Washington and Tehran.
Additionally, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized on Sunday that the United States is ready to reach a binding agreement with Iran if it returns to compliance with its obligations. In press statements, Sullivan noted that Iran has yet to respond to the call for negotiations and that "it is Iran that is currently isolated, not the United States," adding that "the ball is now in its court." The U.S. official stressed that the Biden administration believes diplomacy is the best means to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear bomb. He continued that Tehran has refused to cooperate with the IAEA in its efforts to ensure that Iran's program is not used for weapons production.
