Rouhani: Europeans Must Send a Strong Message to the US Regarding the JCPOA

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, on Saturday, September 16, during a meeting with Siegfried Brack, the President of the Belgian House of Representatives, called for a reaction from the European Union regarding the US government's approach to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to Fars News Agency, Rouhani emphasized the necessity for both parties to adhere to the provisions of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers, stating: "In the JCPOA, Iran and the 1+5 were able to reach an agreement on an important issue known as nuclear, and this was one of the great successes of the negotiating table in a complex matter that can serve as a model for complex regional and global issues." Under the JCPOA agreement signed in July 2015 between Iran and six world powers, Iran halted parts of its nuclear program in exchange for the suspension of nuclear sanctions against the country. Rouhani added: "We believe that the only entity that can declare that Iran has fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA is the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has adhered to its commitments within the framework of the JCPOA according to the Agency's reports, and we expect the other parties to fully adhere to their commitments under this agreement." The Iranian President, referring to what he called "the violations of the United States regarding the JCPOA," stated: "We expect the European Union to fully comply with the JCPOA and to pressure the United States regarding its commitments under the JCPOA and to send them a clear message." Rouhani's call for a reaction from the European Union comes as US officials accuse Iran of violating the "spirit" of the nuclear agreement, and the US President has ordered a review of Washington's policies towards Iran and this agreement. In this context, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, stated on Thursday that Iran, through its actions, disregards the "spirit" of the nuclear agreement, and the United States will not tolerate such an approach. Trump emphasized that everyone will soon witness his government's actions regarding the JCPOA in October. According to a law passed by Congress, the US President is required to confirm Iran's compliance with the JCPOA every 90 days. The Trump administration has so far confirmed Iran's compliance twice, and the 90-day deadline for the US government to provide a new report will end in October. Rex Tillerson, the US Secretary of State, stated on September 14 that the US continues to review its policy towards Iran and will consider all threats, not just Iran's nuclear capabilities. Heather Nauert, the spokesperson for the US State Department, recently reminded that the "comprehensive review" of the nuclear agreement indicated that Tehran is not adhering to the spirit of the agreement, as the JCPOA calls for the establishment of peace and political and regional stability, which Iran has not adhered to. In this context, Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, previously stated that if Trump reports to Congress in October that Iran has not complied with the nuclear agreement with the major powers, it does not mean Washington's withdrawal from the JCPOA. According to Haley, if the US President does not confirm Iran's compliance, Congress will then have 60 days to decide on sanctions against Iran.