Pompeo: European efforts to create a special mechanism for cooperation with Iran are unconstructive

Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, criticized the European countries' initiative to create a special mechanism for providing banking and commercial facilities to Iran in order to counter U.S. sanctions on Tuesday, October 3. According to Reuters, during a speech at the 'Alliance Against a Nuclear Iran' meeting, he expressed being 'deeply' disappointed and saddened by the actions of the remaining countries in the nuclear deal with Iran, the JCPOA, which on Monday sought to establish a special banking and financial mechanism to counter U.S. sanctions. The meeting of the foreign ministers of the four permanent members of the Security Council—France, Russia, China, and the UK—along with Germany, was held in New York with the participation of Federica Mogherini, the EU's chief foreign policy official, and Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister. The 1+4 countries emphasized 'pursuing actions for payment and the continuation of Iran's oil exports.' In a joint statement, these countries welcomed the development of financial payment channels to Iran, particularly the establishment of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to facilitate payments related to Iran. Pompeo stated that this action is one of the most unconstructive measures imaginable for peace and security in the region. According to the report, Pompeo accused European countries of strengthening Iran as the most significant state sponsor of terrorism through this action. He remarked, 'I can imagine that this morning the ayatollahs and corrupt guardians were laughing.' In another part of his remarks, Pompeo stated, 'The United States tells the people of Iran: We support your right to live as a free nation under a government that respects you. You deserve more than this fruitless revolution imposed on you by corrupt leaders.' He added, 'Because of the failed policies of this regime, the people of Iran are struggling with severe water shortages and environmental crises. The Iranian regime is more concerned about heavy water than drinking water.' The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that the United States will continue international efforts to change Iran's behavior through pressure, deterrence, and support for the Iranian people. He stated that they seek the participation of all countries in such a coalition, which is one of the most important diplomatic priorities of the U.S. President. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, exited the JCPOA last spring after Tehran refused Washington's demands for changes to the nuclear agreement. Trump believes that the nuclear deal does not serve his country's national interests and does not prevent Iran from ultimately obtaining nuclear weapons or address issues such as 'support for terrorism,' 'destabilizing activities,' or the development of the Islamic Republic's missile program. Following Trump's decision, sanctions against Iran were reinstated. So far, one phase of U.S. sanctions has been implemented, with the second phase, namely oil sanctions, set to take effect on November 4. The remaining countries in the JCPOA are trying to encourage Iran to remain committed to the agreement despite the U.S. withdrawal and the reinstatement of sanctions. Therefore, they are seeking a mechanism to mitigate the impact of U.S. sanctions. In this context, the remaining countries in the JCPOA emphasized their 'commitment to pursuing specific actions' for payment and the continuation of Iran's oil exports in a statement yesterday. In paragraph 9 of the joint statement between Iran and the 1+4, the remaining members of the JCPOA emphasized their commitment to 'pursuing obligations... specifically for real and effective actions to ensure payment channels to Iran and the continuation of oil and gas condensate exports, petroleum products, and petrochemicals.' The statement also emphasized that the lifting of sanctions is a 'vital part' of the nuclear agreement. The parties welcomed the updating of the EU's 'blocking regulations' and granting permission to the European Investment Bank to enable Iran to qualify for foreign loans. The 'blocking regulations' prohibit EU companies from complying with U.S. sanctions and do not recognize any court ruling for enforcing U.S. penalties. These laws were established in the 1990s to counter U.S. sanctions against Cuba, although they were never formally implemented.