Iraqchi: If the JCPOA is successful, negotiations on other issues can follow

Abbas Araqchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that the U.S. and Europe must first assure Tehran of the 'success' of the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA, before pursuing negotiations on other issues. According to Reuters, Araqchi made this remark on Thursday, February 8, during a financial meeting between Europe and Iran in Paris, referring to requests from Europe and the U.S. to negotiate on other matters such as Iran's missile program, the Islamic Republic's activities in the Middle East, and human rights. Araqchi said that Iran's response to these requests is 'clear': 'Make the nuclear agreement a successful experience, then we will engage in other topics.' He also described the Trump administration's approach to Iran as 'destructive' and a violation of the international JCPOA agreement. The U.S. President has repeatedly called the JCPOA 'the worst deal in U.S. history' and demanded its revision. Recently, he announced that it would be the last time he issues a suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions, stating that the 'catastrophic' flaws in the nuclear agreement must be corrected. Trump has set four conditions for continued U.S. participation in the JCPOA: 'immediate access' for international inspectors to all Iranian sites and facilities, making restrictions on Iran's nuclear program permanent, ensuring that Iran does not approach nuclear weapons, and limiting Iran's long-range missile program; as Trump stated, the long-range missile program and Iran's nuclear weapons program are 'inseparable.' Following the U.S. President's remarks about the JCPOA, Britain, France, and Germany are attempting to preserve the JCPOA while appealing to Trump by proposing a plan that addresses Iran's ballistic missile testing and regional influence. In response to this, Araqchi stated that there is 'no connection' between Iran's influence in the Middle East and the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA. Iran has repeatedly rejected U.S. and European requests regarding its missile program, describing it as 'defensive.' Tehran has also consistently described its nuclear program as 'peaceful.' Araqchi dismissed Western officials' claims that the Islamic Republic's actions in the Middle East are 'destabilizing,' accusing the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Israel of exacerbating regional crises. He stated that Iran has 'always fought against terrorism and played an important role in regional peace and stability.' Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson previously stated that, from Washington's perspective, the nuclear agreement with Iran is only a 'small' part of U.S. policy towards the Middle East, and the U.S. has greater concerns regarding other issues, including Tehran's support for the Houthis in Yemen and Iran's supply of weapons to other militia groups in the region. The U.S. has also stated that it has formed a working group with Britain, France, and Germany to bring Iran to the negotiating table over the conditions for 'revising' the JCPOA; however, Iran has repeatedly emphasized in recent days that it will never return to the negotiating table with world powers. Britain also announced on Thursday that it is working with its partners to address U.S. concerns regarding the nuclear agreement signed between Iran and the major powers. Alistair Burt, the British Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs, stated that Tehran must also avoid actions that threaten regional security. Burt added that 'our position and that of our European partners is very clear. We want this agreement to be successfully implemented.' Iran and six world powers, including the U.S., Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany, reached an agreement in July 2015 to resolve Iran's nuclear program and lift international sanctions against it. Under this agreement, Iran agreed to halt many of its nuclear activities.