Valiati Rejects Possibility of Renegotiating or Completing the JCPOA

The international advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic and a member of the Iranian committee overseeing the implementation of the JCPOA has rejected any possibility of a 'secondary negotiation' regarding the nuclear agreement, emphasizing that this agreement 'will not be completed'. According to a report by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Ali Akbar Velayati stated on Monday, October 16, that the nuclear agreement is not subject to renewal; 'Negotiations have been conducted, and they are committed to fulfilling their obligations.' In recent days, following Donald Trump's failure to confirm Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement, American officials have spoken about the need to address the shortcomings and flaws of the JCPOA. In contrast, European officials, while emphasizing their commitment to implementing the JCPOA, have shown a green light regarding potential negotiations to complete the JCPOA or other aspects of Iran's behavior. For instance, on Friday, the leaders of Germany, Britain, and France stated in a joint statement that they share concerns about Iran's missile program and its behavior in the region, urging Iran to commit to constructive dialogue regarding what they termed destabilizing actions and to seek a solution through negotiations in this regard. On Saturday, the French Foreign Minister stated that they are ready to consider the American concerns and can begin preliminary discussions with Tehran regarding what happens after 2025. In 2025, some of the restrictions that Iran was freed from in exchange for the lifting of sanctions related to its nuclear program, including those concerning uranium enrichment, will expire, and the term 'sunset' is used to describe the end of such restrictions. Currently, two Republican senators, Bob Corker and Tom Cotton, have introduced a plan in the U.S. Senate to address the end of these restrictions. However, on Monday, Ali Akbar Velayati stated that 'from the collection of statements one hears from America, Europe, or political figures from certain countries, it seems that a division of roles has occurred among them, as some speak against the JCPOA and say it is incomplete or should be completed, while others say it is complete or refer to the issue of missiles.' He reiterated the Islamic Republic's position on the missile issue, stating that 'the Islamic Republic does not seek permission from anyone for its security and defense in the region, and these matters are not negotiable.' Mr. Velayati also described the Islamic Republic's regional presence as 'legitimate and non-negotiable' and added that 'the Islamic Republic does not need the U.S. President to approve its foreign policy actions.' The temporary nature of parts of the nuclear agreement, Iran's financial benefit from this agreement, the agreement's failure to prevent missile tests, the limited capacity of inspectors to monitor Iran's sites, and Iran's non-compliance with the spirit of the JCPOA are among the major grievances of Donald Trump regarding the nuclear agreement, all of which were emphasized in his speech on Friday. On Monday, Mr. Trump also stated that he is taking necessary action regarding the nuclear agreement, which may lead to an improvement of the nuclear agreement, 'or, as some believe more likely,' result in the U.S. withdrawal from this agreement. In this context, Trump stated that a complete termination of the nuclear agreement is entirely possible. Mogherini is going to Washington to defend the nuclear agreement. Trump's strategy towards Iran and its consequences; a conversation with a senior Pentagon official. Trump's National Security Advisor: Iran is not a trustworthy government. Zarif: If the nuclear agreement is canceled, no one will trust the U.S. Haley: The U.S. will remain in the JCPOA for now but seeks a proportional response to Iran's behavior. France urged the U.S. Congress not to pave the way for the termination of the JCPOA.