Putin Welcomes European Efforts to Preserve Nuclear Deal with Iran

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, on Thursday, June 3, praised the efforts of European countries to maintain the nuclear agreement with Iran, known as the JCPOA, following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal, and warned about the consequences of its cancellation. According to Reuters, Putin, speaking at a press conference with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, supported Macron's proposal for negotiations to reach a broader agreement with Iran regarding its missile program and regional activities. The report states that Macron and Putin discussed issues such as Iran, Syria, and Ukraine. Putin stated at the press conference: 'Certainly, we can negotiate about Iran's ballistic missiles. We can discuss Iran's policies in the Middle East and its nuclear activities after 2025.' The Russian president added, 'However, we cannot link the preservation of the nuclear agreement with Iran to these three issues, because if we do so, it would mean we also want to withdraw from this agreement.' Putin further emphasized: 'We welcome the efforts of Europe and Iran to preserve the agreement while knowing that this will be difficult.' Referring to the new U.S. sanctions against Iran, he said: 'We never endorse unilateral actions. Any action against another country should be carried out through the United Nations and the Security Council. All other actions lack legitimacy.' In this context, Emmanuel Macron also stated that the nuclear agreement with Iran must be preserved, and Iran must adhere to its commitments under this agreement. The French president added: 'Practical agreements are necessary for French companies to maintain their economic activities in Iran and to have a presence there despite U.S. sanctions.' Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran on May 8. Trump stated that the JCPOA 'brought neither peace nor calm' and that the Islamic Republic continued to expand its ballistic missile program and 'support for terrorism' after the JCPOA. However, European countries, while expressing dissatisfaction with the U.S. action, say that the JCPOA has closed pathways for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and must be preserved. Meanwhile, Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, criticized Europe's approach to Iran on Thursday, stating that over the past three years, 'Europeans have told us they are preparing to confront missiles, but they have done nothing.' The U.S. Secretary of State also remarked that 'Europe talks about its agreement with counter-terrorism programs,' saying that European governments have done nothing to support the United States in 'labeling Iran as the world's largest supporter of terrorism.' Iran rejects the accusation of 'supporting terrorism,' and the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has stated that Europe 'must guarantee' that in negotiations regarding the continuation of the JCPOA, it will not discuss the two issues of missile programs and Iran's actions in the region. In this context, Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of the French company Total, expressed disappointment on Thursday, June 3, about receiving an exemption from U.S. sanctions to continue the company's activities in Iran. According to Reuters, Pouyanné, in response to a question regarding economic relations with Iran, referred to recent statements by the U.S. Secretary of State, saying: 'We need an exemption from the U.S. to operate in Iran. I heard Mr. Pompeo's remarks just like you. Do you think he will grant us an exemption?' The Total CEO's reference is to Pompeo's statements on Tuesday, in which he announced that if Iran does not change its behavior, the U.S. will impose 'the toughest sanctions in history against Iran.' Following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran, U.S. officials have warned European companies that have contracted with Iran in recent years that they will be 'held accountable' if they violate U.S. sanctions. The U.S. Treasury Department has given European companies 90 days to cease their activities in Iran before sanctions take effect. European leaders are now seeking and implementing solutions to avoid U.S. sanctions against Iran and to mitigate the impact of sanctions on European companies' activities in Iran.