EU Statement Supporting the Nuclear Agreement with Iran

On Monday, the European Union issued a statement expressing its support for maintaining the nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the JCPOA, and considered the announcement of Iran's non-compliance by Donald Trump, the President of the United States, as an internal issue of the United States. The foreign ministers of EU countries urged Washington to consider the implications for the security of the US, its allies, and the region before taking any steps. Donald Trump announced on October 13 that he could not certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement reached in July 2015 with six world powers and would refer the matter to Congress for decision-making. Following Trump's decision, the US Congress will have 60 days to decide on reinstating suspended sanctions against Iran, a decision that could jeopardize the future of the nuclear agreement. The statement outlines the following points: 1- The JCPOA is the result of 12 years of diplomacy facilitated by the EU and was approved by all members of the UN Security Council through Resolution 2231. It is a crucial element in the architecture of international nuclear non-proliferation and regional security. Its successful implementation ensures that Iran's nuclear programs remain peaceful. The EU emphasizes that the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed eight times that Iran is adhering to all its nuclear commitments under this agreement and under strict and comprehensive inspections. 2- The EU is committed to the continued effective implementation of all parts of the JCPOA. It emphasizes that the lifting of nuclear sanctions has positively impacted economic and trade relations with Iran and has been beneficial for the Iranian people. It has strengthened cooperation and created a foundation for ongoing dialogue with Iran. 3- The EU believes that Trump's non-certification of Iran's compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA falls within the framework of US domestic policy. The EU encourages the US to remain committed to the JCPOA and to consider the security needs of the US, its allies, and the region before making further decisions. 4- While the EU expresses its concerns regarding ballistic missiles and rising tensions in the region, it insists that these issues should be addressed outside the framework of the JCPOA through appropriate channels. The EU is ready to actively support plans to ensure stability and peace in the region. 5- In the face of complex nuclear threats, the EU is determined to preserve the JCPOA as an important element in the global architecture of nuclear non-proliferation.