White House Reaction to Pezeshkian's Remarks on Iran's Interest in Returning to JCPOA: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

On Tuesday, September 17, the White House spokesperson responded to remarks made by Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday regarding the Islamic Republic's interest in returning to the JCPOA, stating, "We believe diplomacy is the best solution to the nuclear issue, but actions are more important than words." Karine Jean-Pierre, in response to a question from the Persian section of Voice of America regarding the Biden administration's reaction to Pezeshkian's comments, added, "We have long said that diplomacy is the best option for achieving an effective and long-term solution to Iran's nuclear program. This has been our steadfast position for the past three and a half years." Jean-Pierre also emphasized, "We are currently far from such a situation. We will judge the Islamic Republic based on its actions, not its words, and we have always been clear about this." She further addressed Iranian officials, stating, "If you want to demonstrate seriousness or a new approach, you must stop the escalation of nuclear and regional tensions." Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, also responded on Tuesday to a Voice of America reporter's question about what the Islamic Republic should do for the Biden administration to be willing to negotiate on the nuclear program, noting, "First and foremost, before talking about an agreement, they must cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)." Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the 14th government of the Islamic Republic, stated on Monday, September 16, in his first press conference with domestic and foreign media, "Tehran does not want to enrich uranium to weapon-grade levels, but had to do so due to the United States' withdrawal from the nuclear agreement." He also mentioned, "We are still seeking to return to the framework of the JCPOA," adding, "If Washington demonstrates in practice that it does not have enmity towards the Islamic Republic, Iran can negotiate directly with the U.S." The United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany issued a joint statement to the IAEA on September 13, stating that the continued "obstruction" by the Islamic Republic contradicts its commitments under the NPT and the commitments outlined in the March 2023 joint statement to the agency. The IAEA reported earlier in September in a confidential report that the Islamic Republic has increased its stockpile of enriched uranium to levels "close to weapon-grade" by defying international demands. The IAEA Director General is expected to meet soon with Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the 14th government of the Islamic Republic, to begin discussions to resolve issues related to Tehran's nuclear program.