Zarif's Reaction to Trump's Statement: JCPOA Is Not Open for Renegotiation

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated on Friday, January 12, hours after Donald Trump, the President of the United States, extended the suspension of nuclear sanctions against Iran, that the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, known as the JCPOA, is not open for renegotiation. Trump announced on Friday that he is extending the suspension of nuclear sanctions against Iran for another 120 days, stating that this is the last time he will extend this suspension and that the 'disastrous' flaws in the nuclear agreement with Iran must be corrected. Zarif wrote on his Twitter account that Trump's policy and what he announced today is a desperate attempt to undermine a strong and multilateral agreement, which violates Articles 26, 27, and 29 of this agreement. The Iranian Foreign Minister added: 'The JCPOA is not open for renegotiation: instead of repetitive rhetoric, the U.S. must fully comply with its commitments (under this agreement) just like Iran.' This is the first reaction from an Iranian official to the U.S. President's statement regarding the extension of the suspension of nuclear sanctions against Iran. In a statement made just before the 120-day deadline for extending the suspension of sanctions, Trump said: 'Contrary to my strong desire, I have not withdrawn the United States from the Iran nuclear deal. Instead, I have outlined two paths forward: either the disastrous flaws in this agreement are corrected, or the United States will withdraw from this agreement.' The U.S. President emphasized that he is ready to work with Congress to pass a bipartisan-supported law regarding Iran, but such legislation must include four essential components. The first essential component Trump mentioned is 'immediate access' for international inspectors to all sites and facilities in Iran. Regarding the permanent nature of restrictions on Iran's nuclear program as the third component of this legislation, he stated: 'Unlike the nuclear agreement, these components should not have an expiration date. My policy is to prevent all pathways for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon—not just for ten years—but forever.' Trump specified the fourth component: 'This legislation must— for the first time— publicly state in U.S. law that the long-range missile program and the nuclear weapons program are inseparable, and the production and testing of missiles by Iran must be subject to severe sanctions.' Trump had previously expressed concern about the 'sunset clause' in the Iran nuclear agreement. The 'sunset clause' pertains to the lifting of restrictions after the time period of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which has fueled concerns that 'Iran could achieve the capability to build nuclear weapons even before the end of the agreement.' The U.S. President further described Iran's ballistic missile program as a threat to regional countries. Trump and U.S. officials claim that Iran is not adhering to the 'spirit of the JCPOA' due to its missile tests and destabilizing activities in the region, including in Syria and Yemen. In this context, Trump extended the suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions 'for the last time' and called for reforms to the JCPOA. What will be the fate of the JCPOA? The U.S. Treasury Secretary has indicated the possibility of announcing new sanctions against Iran. Trump is consulting with his national security advisors ahead of announcing his stance on Iran sanctions.