Zarif to America: Using Old Methods Will Lead to Failure

Iran's Foreign Minister has referred to the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers as a "great victory of diplomacy" in a message posted on Twitter. He also addressed the United States, stating that "old methods will lead to previous failures." Zarif's message, dated July 15, comes one year after the agreement on the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He stated, "Short-sighted bargaining, lackluster implementation of commitments, and worn-out slogans keep the progress of the agreement out of reach." The Iranian Foreign Minister added that "mutual respect and full implementation of commitments under the JCPOA will open a new horizon for achieving the promised goals." Zarif's message was released amid warnings and criticisms from some Iranian officials, including the Supreme Leader, regarding "obstruction" or the slow implementation of the nuclear agreement. One year ago, Iran and six world powers reached an agreement to limit Tehran's nuclear activities while leading to the lifting of nuclear sanctions, an agreement that the U.S. President described as "historic." On the anniversary of the nuclear agreement, Barack Obama stated that the U.S. and world powers have "fulfilled all their commitments to lift sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program." The U.S. President noted that as long as Tehran adheres to the agreement, Washington will continue to fulfill its commitments. Additionally, U.S. Republicans, who hold the majority in Congress, have intensified their efforts to impose restrictions and sanctions against Iran, efforts that will likely be largely vetoed by the U.S. President. However, this also reflects the opposition of party members to the nuclear agreement, especially as the U.S. presidential elections approach. The two main candidates from the parties likely to compete against each other are Hillary Clinton (Democrat), who supports the nuclear agreement, and Donald Trump (Republican), who claims he would abandon it if elected to the White House. In response to these statements, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, stated that if the U.S. violates the JCPOA, "we will burn it."