Macron Calls for Broader Negotiations with Tehran

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country's commitment to the JCPOA on Wednesday, stating that the agreement is 'not enough' and that 'we must prepare ourselves for broader negotiations with Iran as I believe no one wants war in the region.' In a press conference in Australia, he added that Iran's nuclear activities after the current nuclear agreement expires in 2025, which is seven years away, need to be monitored more closely and better, and these should be part of comprehensive negotiations. According to Macron, a better deterrent policy regarding Iran's activities in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, is also part of these negotiations. On April 23, Macron had previously presented a four-point plan as a supplement to the JCPOA, but the Iranian President rejected this plan. The Iranian President stated in a phone call with Macron on Sunday, April 28, that 'the JCPOA and any other issues raised in its context are absolutely non-negotiable.' He also mentioned that the future of the JCPOA after 2025 will be determined by 'international regulations' and that Iran 'will not accept any limitations beyond its commitments.' Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had also set four conditions for the U.S. to continue its participation in the JCPOA, which include '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 ballistic missile program. Trump has given a deadline until May 12 for the 'deficiencies of the JCPOA' to be corrected; otherwise, he will not extend the suspension of sanctions against Iran based on the JCPOA. The U.S. President emphasized that if Iran resumes its nuclear program, it will face 'greater problems' than before. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif warned that if the U.S. withdraws from the nuclear agreement with six world powers, the JCPOA, it will have 'very unpleasant' consequences for Washington. Recently, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to the JCPOA in a joint statement, calling for a supplementary agreement with Iran regarding the JCPOA. These three countries have committed to addressing other issues outside the framework of the JCPOA, including ballistic missiles, what should be done after the agreement ends, and Iran's role in destabilizing the region.