Mogherini Emphasizes Iran's Current Commitment to Nuclear Deal Obligations

The senior foreign policy official of the European Union, speaking to reporters at the United Nations headquarters, emphasized Iran's adherence to its commitments under the nuclear agreement, stating that the EU strongly supports the JCPOA alongside other international mechanisms. Federica Mogherini, who visited the UN on May 8, stated that the EU is committed to the nuclear agreement made between Iran and six world powers: "I have told U.S. officials that the EU is deeply interested in and committed to the full implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action; meaning that this agreement should be implemented by all parties." Mogherini also highlighted Iran's current commitment to its obligations, saying, "We are equally committed to all obligations made, including the lifted sanctions related to the nuclear program." The senior foreign policy official described the nuclear agreement as a "milestone" in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and as a factor in creating greater security in the region and the world. Donald Trump, during his presidential campaign, strongly criticized the negotiations and the nuclear agreement made between the Obama administration, five other countries, and Tehran, promising to cancel the agreement if he won the election. However, after winning last year's election, members of Trump's administration have spoken more about "reviewing," "assessing," or "strictly implementing" the agreement rather than cancelling it. On Tuesday, Mogherini also discussed EU talks with U.S. officials, including McMaster, Trump's National Security Advisor, and James Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stating, "We are discussing with U.S. officials about the nuclear agreement, its implementation, and the role Iran plays in regional developments, especially in areas that are of key importance to us from Syria to Yemen." Washington has always criticized Iran's role in regional developments, considering Tehran a factor of "instability" in the Middle East. Iran has long been on the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. Tehran has always denied supporting terrorism while simultaneously labeling U.S. allies in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, as factors of "instability" and supporters of "terrorist groups." Relations between Tehran and Riyadh are currently strained, with both countries supporting opposing sides in the Syrian civil war and the Yemen conflict. On Tuesday, during a Security Council meeting, where the EU's senior foreign policy official was present, Nikki Haley, the U.S. representative to the UN, stated, "The EU can, and should, do more to emphasize to Iran that it should cease its destabilizing actions in the region, including support for terrorist and extremist groups." Mogherini and Haley also had a face-to-face meeting where, according to the EU's foreign policy chief, they discussed topics such as EU-U.S. cooperation and its importance in supporting the UN, development, climate change, global peace, and security.