Iran FM and EU foreign policy chief discuss JCPOA, Vienna talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, has met the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, has met the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Amirabdollahian and Borrel discussed various issues, including the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and developments in Afghanistan.
In the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister emphasized that the administration of President Ebrahim Raisi is pragmatic within the framework of principles and therefore seeks a practical result in the nuclear negotiations. As we have said before, we are seriously reviewing the records of the negotiations and the new administration will resume the talks. Our criterion is the action of the other parties and not their words. The new administration in Tehran is reviewing the talks. It will not waste time and will not accept the unconstructive behavior of the United States nor will it keep Iran waiting for empty promises that have a long history.
Amirabdollahian emphasized, unfortunately, the behavior and policies of the Biden administration have so far been unconstructive in relation to Iran and the nuclear deal. Biden has in words criticized Trump's policies but in practice, he is pursuing the same policies toward Iran.
The Iranian foreign minister however thanked Joseph Borrel’s efforts in pursuing the nuclear talks, saying the US is one hundred percent mistaken if it thinks pressures on Iran will pay off. The Iranian people have proved that they firmly respond to pressures and threats. The European Troika have also steadily called on Iran to return to the negotiating table instead of pressuring the US, that has been violating the JCPOA, into returning to its commitments. All signatories to the deal should understand that the agreement must be fruitful for Iran and that Tehran must see all sanctions lifted in light of it. All sides must take practical steps to prove their compliance with the JCPOA. It’s unacceptable that the US sometimes makes positive statements and then imposes new sanctions on Iran.
The foreign minister added, if other sides return to their commitments and this is verified, we are also ready to stop our retaliatory measures. It is not difficult for the Americans to live up to their commitments under the nuclear deal and for the three European countries to end their inaction.
In the meeting, Josep Borrel also referred to the EU efforts to revive the JCPOA, saying: In my opinion the JCPOA’s success is very important for not only Iran and the group of 4+1, but the entire region and the world. Nobody will benefit from the nuclear deal’s collapse. The European Union has always been critical of Trump's destructive policies and actions in withdrawing from the JCPOA and has been transparent in this regard, but the decision of the new US administration has created a new chapter in reviving and maintaining the deal.
Borrel also gave a report on the progress and the challenges in the Vienna talks, saying the United States' responsibility for creating the current situation is clear, but at the same time all parties must help reach a mutually satisfactory outcome, the first step in this direction is to set a date for the Vienna meeting.
He added that the EU wants all sides to take confidence building measures.
The two sides also spoke of the situation in Afghanistan and cooperation between Iran and the EU, especially regarding refugees and the necessity of the formation of an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan.