Merkel and Putin Discuss JCPOA in Sochi

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, arrived in Sochi, southwestern Russia, on Friday, May 18, and discussed the JCPOA and several other topics with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. In a joint press conference, Vladimir Putin stated that their bilateral discussion was primarily about the situation surrounding the JCPOA following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement. About ten days ago, Donald Trump announced the U.S. exit from the nuclear agreement with Iran, prompting Russia to emphasize the importance of maintaining this agreement multiple times. For instance, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, recently stated during Mohammad Javad Zarif's visit to Moscow that 'Russia and China's interests lie in preserving the JCPOA.' The German Chancellor also reiterated the shared viewpoint of both countries regarding 'preserving the JCPOA' while stressing the importance of relations with the U.S. Merkel noted that Europe 'will negotiate with Tehran to keep Iran in the JCPOA,' and despite differing views between Europe and the U.S. on certain issues 'that have now arisen regarding the JCPOA,' the 'importance and vitality' of transatlantic relations should not be overlooked or challenged. The German Chancellor also expressed concern over Iran's ballistic missile activities and its military presence in Syria. After the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, the three European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—emphasized their desire to maintain the agreement and stated they would do everything possible to protect their companies' trade dealings with Iran. Following consultations among leaders of the 28 EU member states in Sofia, the European Commission announced on Friday that it would begin the process of reviving 'blocking regulations' to protect European companies' interests in Iran. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced on Friday that Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, who is scheduled to travel to St. Petersburg next week for an economic forum, will also discuss the JCPOA with Putin. The Russian ambassador in London also stated on Friday that Moscow will continue its contacts with European officials to preserve the JCPOA and explore ways to counter U.S. sanctions against Iran. About ten days ago, Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, emphasizing that the Iranian government continued to expand its ballistic missile program and 'support for terrorism' after the nuclear agreement. In response, Iran accused the U.S. of 'breach of promise' and called for international action against Washington's non-compliance with the UN Security Council resolution. Merkel and Putin also discussed the Syrian war, the Ukraine crisis, and the issue of the so-called 'Nord Stream 2' pipeline during their talks on Friday. Germany condemned Russia's annexation of Crimea and its military support for the Syrian government, and relations between the two countries have been strained over the past year.