Nexnews – During a periodic meeting to review Resolution 2231 and the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) underscored the importance of diplomacy in resolving issues related to Iran’s nuclear program. The meeting, which began on Tuesday, focused on the latest report by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, presented by Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
Several UNSC members expressed their views on the progress and challenges of the JCPOA, with the United States holding the presidency of the Security Council this month. Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, reiterated Iran’s commitment to fulfilling its JCPOA obligations while warning European signatories against misusing parts of the agreement. He emphasized that such actions could prompt a decisive and proportional response from Iran.
The meeting followed a hiatus of over two years in nuclear negotiations, although a recent meeting in Geneva between deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany, and the UK discussed bilateral and regional issues.
JCPOA Facilitator Calls for Continued Dialogue
The Ambassador of Malta to the United Nations, representing the country facilitating the JCPOA, emphasized the need for all parties to support the agreement. Vanessa Frazier called on member states to continue dialogue, reaffirming Malta’s commitment to promoting the implementation of Resolution 2231 and the multilateral nature of the JCPOA. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that the JCPOA remains a crucial framework for nuclear non-proliferation.
China and the US on Diplomatic Solutions
China’s Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, reiterated the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in resolving the JCPOA crisis. He called for the continuation of talks between Iran and the EU and expressed concern over the potential use of the Security Council’s trigger mechanism, warning that such actions could undermine diplomatic efforts. Fu emphasized that the JCPOA remains the best solution to Iran’s nuclear program and urged the US to refrain from maximum pressure tactics.
On the other hand, US Ambassador Robert Wood stressed that while diplomacy remains the best approach, the US is prepared to take any necessary steps to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He criticized Iran’s regional activities and nuclear developments but expressed willingness to engage diplomatically.
Russia Criticizes US and European Approaches
Russia’s Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia criticized the US and European stance on the JCPOA, stating that applying the trigger mechanism would be futile. He argued that the failure of past actions against Iran, including the US withdrawal from the agreement, demonstrated that diplomatic solutions should be prioritized. Nebenzia also pointed out that the Biden administration had made no meaningful efforts to return to the JCPOA despite claiming to seek a resolution.
UK and European Troika’s Continued Engagement
The UK’s Ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, reaffirmed the European Troika’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution of Iran’s nuclear program. While blaming Iran for exceeding JCPOA uranium enrichment limits, Kariuki stressed that the UK and its European partners are dedicated to achieving a diplomatic solution. He also pointed out that the expiration of Security Council Resolution 2231 in October presents a critical juncture, and the UK will take all necessary diplomatic steps to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The meeting reflected a broad international consensus on the need for continued dialogue and diplomacy to address the challenges surrounding the JCPOA and ensure regional stability.
