Three European Countries: Iran Must Halt Nuclear Escalation and Return to Its JCPOA Commitments

On Monday, July 4, Germany, Britain, and France called on Iran to stop escalating nuclear tensions and return to its commitments under the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA, following a UN Security Council meeting regarding Resolution 2231. Robert Wood, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, also stated at the Security Council meeting that "reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from May 27 and June 13 indicate that Iran is determined to expand its nuclear program in a way that has no credible peaceful application." The European trio noted that Iran is rendering the JCPOA "hollow" with its recent actions. Following the recent resolution by the Board of Governors against the Islamic Republic, the IAEA reported on June 14 that Iran is installing eight cascades containing 174 IR-6 centrifuges at Unit 1 of the Fordow enrichment facility. The IR-6 is one of the most advanced centrifuge models in Iran's nuclear facilities. Wood further emphasized that "Iran must take actions that build international confidence and reduce tensions, rather than continuing nuclear activities that pose serious proliferation risks." The U.S. Deputy Ambassador stressed that Washington is prepared to use all necessary tools to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and is fully committed to addressing international concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program through diplomacy. The statement from Germany, Britain, and France noted: "The Security Council held a meeting today to review the implementation of Resolution 2231, which underpins the Iran nuclear agreement and specifies Iran's nuclear commitments. This resolution is set to expire in October next year. Therefore, the next 16 months will be crucial for finding a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis." The three European countries also referenced the IAEA's report on June 14 regarding the installation of advanced centrifuges at the Fordow site. The statement said: "Under the JCPOA, Iran committed not to install or operate any of these centrifuges and not to use this site for enrichment purposes. We again urge Iran to stop escalating tensions and return to its commitments under the JCPOA." Germany, Britain, and France stated that the Islamic Republic's lack of cooperation "over many years undermines the global non-proliferation regime" and prevents the IAEA from carrying out its vital work to assess Iran's nuclear program. These countries emphasized that Iran's agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be fully pursued without further delay. They also expressed particular concern that Iran is firmly denying its legal obligation to notify the IAEA of new nuclear facilities. The countries stressed the importance of diplomacy regarding Iran, stating: "Iran must seriously and urgently respect its commitments to diplomacy and its binding legal obligations in the remaining 16 months before the resolution expires." Barbara Woodward, the British Ambassador to the UN, also warned at the Security Council meeting about Iran's nuclear advancements. She noted that the expiration of Security Council Resolution 2231 means that the Islamic Republic is closer than ever to the threshold of nuclear weapon production capability. This situation makes the region and the world much more dangerous and increases the likelihood of escalation by others. Woodward added: "We remain committed to the JCPOA, and Iran must show the same commitment. We will continue to keep all diplomatic options open and will activate the snapback mechanism if necessary before October 2025." The snapback mechanism of Security Council Resolution 2231 from 2015 allows for the immediate reimposition of Security Council sanctions against Iran before October 2025.