Lavrov: Russia and China Will Prevent Any Sabotage Actions to Disrupt the JCPOA

On Monday, April 22, the Russian Foreign Minister announced in China: "Our position is the same as China's, and both countries will counter any sabotage actions regarding the disruption of the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA." Sergey Lavrov stated: "We oppose any revision of the JCPOA. We believe that any attempt to nullify all these years of international cooperation and dialogue among six countries will have damaging consequences." The Russian Foreign Minister added: "We will prevent any actions that would lead to the destruction of the JCPOA, which is based on and maintained in the Security Council resolution related to it." Iran and six world powers reached an agreement in July 2013 regarding the resolution of Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of its sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly confirmed Iran's compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA over the past three years, but the Trump administration claims that Tehran has violated the 'spirit of the JCPOA' and has not played a positive role in establishing peace and stability in the region and the world. Mr. Trump is a staunch opponent of the JCPOA and has repeatedly stated that it is the worst agreement he has ever seen. He has given his European allies until May 12 to address the 'catastrophic flaws' in the nuclear agreement with Iran, or else the United States may not extend the suspension of sanctions against Iran under the JCPOA and withdraw from it. Alongside the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia are also serious opponents of the nuclear agreement with Iran. The leaders of France and Germany will negotiate with Donald Trump in Washington, and it has been reported that preserving the JCPOA is a priority for these meetings. Heiko Maas, the German Foreign Minister, stated on Monday: "The leaders of Germany and France are asking Donald Trump to cooperate with the Iranian nuclear agreement because withdrawal from it will create fundamental problems." He added: "We believe that preserving this agreement must be pursued fundamentally. If it collapses or if the U.S. withdraws from it, we have no alternative options, and everything could worsen." Jacek Blaszczyk, the EU representative for disarmament, also stated that the JCPOA has strengthened the global movement for international disarmament and has played a positive role in regional and global security, assuring that Iran's nuclear program will remain peaceful. Cornel Feruta, a senior official of the International Atomic Energy Agency, also stated that this agreement has significantly improved our access to Iran's nuclear facilities. He added: "In summary, if I may say, Iran is under serious verification policy and is fulfilling all its commitments under the JCPOA. It is important that Iran remains committed to its implementation." The three countries, France, Germany, and Britain, have begun negotiations with the U.S. for sanctions against Iran due to its missile program and its role in the Middle East. In the latest meeting of EU foreign ministers, these sanctions were not agreed upon by Italy and Austria, and the decision on them was postponed to future meetings of European leaders. According to reports from Reuters and the Associated Press, an American official stated that Trump and Macron are discussing the Iranian nuclear agreement. Zarif stated that with a change in the 'attitude' of the U.S., negotiations regarding prisoners could be conducted. The French President stated that there is no plan to replace the JCPOA. An American official stated that the G7 foreign ministers are discussing the 'JCPOA.' A senior UN official in disarmament called for the preservation and adherence to the JCPOA.