Iran's Representative: We Will Not Accept Being Sanctioned While Fulfilling Our Commitments

Iran's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sharply criticized the United States for its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), warning that the Islamic Republic will not continue to fulfill its commitments under the JCPOA while being sanctioned. Reza Najafi, speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday, June 6, described the U.S. exit from the nuclear agreement as 'illegal' and a 'clear violation of the UN Security Council resolution,' stating that 'the JCPOA does not solely belong to its signatories, allowing one party to whimsically withdraw from it,' but rather 'is a multilateral agreement based on mutual action.' He emphasized that 'the reciprocal and complete implementation of commitments by all parties is the fundamental basis of the JCPOA and a vital element for its sustainability,' asserting that 'it is Iran's undeniable right' to take 'appropriate measures' in response to the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the re-imposition of all sanctions. The UK, France, and Germany, other parties to the JCPOA, have defended the nuclear agreement and called for its continuation. However, the main challenge is that large European companies are dependent on the U.S. market, and Washington has warned them that they will face sanctions if they continue economic relations with Tehran. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, have stressed that the EU's political support for the agreement is 'not enough' and that the EU must take 'more practical steps.' The permanent representative of Iran at the IAEA also stated that 'if the JCPOA is to continue to exist, the remaining members of the JCPOA and other economic partners must ensure that Iran's interests are unconditionally compensated through appropriate national, regional, and global actions.' Najafi further stated: 'As our senior officials have expressed, the Iranian nation will not accept continuing its commitments under the JCPOA while restrictive measures and sanctions are being implemented contrary to the agreement.' Najafi's remarks refer to recent statements by Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, who criticized the EU, saying: 'The Iranian nation and government will not tolerate being both sanctioned and limited in nuclear activities.' Khamenei has also instructed the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization to 'quickly' prepare for Iran to achieve 190,000 SWU of uranium enrichment 'within the framework of the JCPOA,' a move that drew reactions from European officials. Federica Mogherini's spokesperson stated that while this matter does not violate the JCPOA, such actions do not help build trust regarding the nature of Iran's nuclear program at this 'sensitive juncture.' The French Foreign Minister has also stated that Iran's action to develop uranium enrichment capacity is nearing a 'red line' but still falls within the framework of the JCPOA.