US Ambassador in London Calls for UK to Reconsider Stance on JCPOA

The United States Ambassador to the UK has called for London to support Washington's position on exiting the nuclear deal with Iran (JCPOA) and stated that forming a 'united front' is the best way to convince Tehran to change its behavior. Woody Johnson, in a note written for the British newspaper 'Sunday Telegraph', urged British officials to join Washington, which is leading global efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement regarding Iran's nuclear activities, by utilizing their 'diplomatic power and significant influence' in the world. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, withdrew the US from the JCPOA on May 8, and since last week has reinstated some of the sanctions that had been suspended as a result of signing this agreement. Britain, Russia, China, Germany, France, and the European Union have criticized Trump's action and continue to support the JCPOA while seeking solutions to maintain economic relations with Iran despite potential US sanctions. The US Ambassador's request comes as British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt expressed 'deep regret' over the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in a joint press conference with his German and French counterparts last week. Hunt also stated that Europe is working to protect its companies from US sanctions if they continue to do business with Iran. Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that Britain has clarified its position on the JCPOA but is negotiating with the US on ways to address shared concerns regarding Iran's regional activities. Reuters has also reported that despite differences between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump regarding the US approach to exiting the nuclear deal with Iran, they are discussing the situation in the Middle East and Iran's regional activities. Despite Britain's clear stance on the JCPOA, Robert Wood has called on officials in the country to reconsider their position. The first round of US sanctions against Iran went into effect on August 7, targeting Iran's access to dollars, trade in metals, coal, industrial software, and the automotive industry, despite requests from its allies for a delay. The US has announced that the next round of sanctions, which will begin on November 4, will target Iran's oil industry and is currently working to reduce Iran's oil imports by its allies to zero. European countries have repeatedly urged Iran to adhere to the provisions of the agreement despite the US withdrawal and have promised to encourage their companies to continue trade relations with Iran while minimizing the effects of US sanctions. However, many prominent European companies have exited Iran, stating they are unwilling to accept the risk of trading with Iran and facing potential US penalties. The US President tweeted the day after the first round of sanctions went into effect that 'anyone who does business with Iran will not have a deal with the United States.'