Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov revealed that the situation regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran has reached a point where a move towards the complete collapse of the agreements could begin. Ryabkov stated in the audio broadcast "Middle East Express" of the "E.M. Primakov" Center for Foreign Policy Cooperation: "We have now stopped at a point from which there could be a move towards the total collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Nevertheless, the potential for diplomatic efforts has not yet been exhausted, and we continue to exert influence on opponents to avoid the final destruction of this very practical scheme."
He noted that Britain, France, and Germany submitted a "destructive resolution condemning Iran" to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for consideration. Ryabkov continued: "This has, of course, caused a complete rejection in Tehran. We also condemn this kind of behavior, as it does not contribute to solving problems; instead, it increases the risks of uncontrolled escalation."
He added: "We urge the Europeans to weigh the consequences of such a policy, but they, like the United States, are generally not prepared to accept anything; they are reluctant to accept anything offered to them that contradicts their own path—fully dead and ridiculous in many aspects."
On June 6, Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran issued a statement indicating that the parties believe the provisions of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the Iranian nuclear program are still in effect. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed with Iran in 2015 to address the crisis surrounding its nuclear developments by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany. The document stipulated the gradual lifting of sanctions in exchange for Tehran’s commitment to limit its nuclear activities. In 2018, then-U.S. President Donald Trump decided to withdraw from this agreement.
Since April 2021, Russia, Britain, Germany, China, the United States, and France have been negotiating with the Iranian side in Vienna to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to its original form, with several rounds ending in November 2022 without any results.
