Salehi: Europe's Failure to Fulfill JCPOA Commitments Will Have Dire Consequences

Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, warned the European Union that if it does not fulfill its commitments regarding Tehran's economic benefits from the JCPOA, the situation will have "dire consequences." The European Union hosted the third seminar on Iran-EU nuclear cooperation on Monday, December 5, emphasizing its continued support for the nuclear deal following the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions in November. The EU, along with Russia and China, hopes to convince Tehran to adhere to its commitments under the JCPOA. In return, Iran demands that these countries counter U.S. sanctions and benefit from the economic advantages of the JCPOA. On Monday, Salehi stated in a joint press conference with Miguel Arias Cañete, the EU Energy Commissioner, "If words do not turn into action, the situation... will become very dire and unpredictable." Salehi did not provide details regarding this situation, its consequences, or the potential withdrawal of Iran from the JCPOA. He continued, "The EU has made significant efforts to preserve the JCPOA. They have been steadfast in this regard and have clearly stated that the JCPOA is important for Europe's security." Salehi expressed hope that together with Russia and China, they could keep the JCPOA alive, stating, "This is a battle we must win because we cannot afford to lose." He also accused the United States of obstructing the implementation of the JCPOA, saying, "This unconstructive approach by the U.S. shows that this country, as a permanent member of the Security Council, is not adhering to its international obligations." Salehi added, "The U.S. logic for exiting the JCPOA despite thirteen reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming Tehran's commitments seems strange to many independent countries in the world. The irony is that a permanent member of the Security Council, while criticizing the results of an agreement that was approved internationally and through the same Security Council, is violating its commitments to peace and security in the world." Miguel Arias Cañete, the EU Energy Commissioner, alongside Salehi at the press conference in Brussels, stated that the EU's efforts are focused on saving trade with Iran and announced plans to establish a special mechanism for non-dollar transactions with Tehran. However, this initiative has not yet been implemented as no European country is willing to host the relevant organization for this mechanism. Under the special mechanism, Iran's exported oil and gas would be exchanged for goods made in the EU. Cañete remarked, "No one should doubt the political ambition and determination of the member countries, especially France, Germany, and the UK, who are quickly seeking to implement the special mechanism." He added, "This is a very complex and unique action, and its technical work has progressed in recent days and weeks." The EU Energy Commissioner also stated at the beginning of the seminar that the JCPOA is essential for the security of Europe, the region, and the entire world, and there is no peaceful alternative to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions. The two-day seminar in Brussels will also feature speeches from Behrouz Kamalvandi, Deputy for International, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs of the Atomic Energy Organization, Abbas Araghchi, Deputy Foreign Minister, and Helga Schmid, Deputy Secretary-General for Foreign Policy of the EU. Salehi is scheduled to attend a dinner on Monday evening with Federica Mogherini, the head of EU foreign policy.