British Prime Minister Emphasizes Importance of JCPOA in Meeting with US Secretary of State

In the ongoing debates for and against the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, the British Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the agreement known as the JCPOA during a meeting with US Secretary of State in London on Thursday, September 14. According to Reuters, in her brief meeting with Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, Mrs. May stressed the crucial role of this agreement in 'preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.' Donald Trump, the US President, has repeatedly criticized the nuclear agreement during his election campaign, even stating that he would cancel it if he won. Although the agreement has remained intact since his victory and the US government has confirmed it, Washington has repeatedly emphasized that Iran is not adhering to the 'spirit' of the agreement. In response to these negative comments about the JCPOA, several countries, organizations, and experts have expressed favorable opinions about it and emphasized the point made by the British Prime Minister. Among them, dozens of nuclear and non-proliferation experts issued a statement on September 13, urging the Trump administration not to abandon the agreement with Iran and the six world powers aimed at limiting Tehran's nuclear activities and lifting related sanctions. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency also officially announced on September 10 that Iran has so far adhered to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement with the P5+1 countries. According to Reuters, Yukiya Amano, in his statement to the Board of Governors, said that the agency has been continuously verifying and monitoring Iran's activities since the implementation of the nuclear agreement and that Iran has been committed to its execution according to the terms of the agreement. Mrs. May's comments were released on a day when the US is expected to once again extend the suspension of sanctions as a result of the JCPOA, according to an official deadline on Thursday. The Associated Press, citing several government officials, reported that despite Mr. Trump's repeated opposition to the JCPOA, he is expected to again endorse the suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions on Thursday. As Reuters reported, Rex Tillerson traveled to Britain to discuss aid for victims of Hurricane Irma, North Korea's latest nuclear test that led to new sanctions, and to meet with foreign ministers from several countries regarding Libya.