The top foreign policy representatives of Iran and the European Union recently concluded a meeting in Jordan in an effort to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. The deal was abandoned by the United States in 2018, prompting the EU and other countries to try and bring about its restoration. During their meeting, representatives discussed the need to stop military support to Russia and internal repression in Iran, as well as Iran’s own sanctions on the United States, the EU and the United Kingdom. Iran also expressed its willingness to finalise the nuclear talks based on a draft presented by the EU, but there has been no sign of any serious movement on the issue of an open probe by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The US, on the other hand, has stated that the nuclear talks are currently not a priority for their administration. This is a cause for concern as the restoration of the JCPOA is necessary to ensure the security of the region. Without the US’ cooperation, the talks will not reach a successful conclusion. That said, the representatives have agreed to keep talking with the aim of restoring the JCPOA. It remains to be seen if the US will step up and participate in the talks, but the fact that Iran and the EU are still engaged in discussions is a good sign. The situation is highly complex and delicate, and it is important that all parties remain committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Thu. Sep 21st, 2023
