Iran staying in nuclear deal depends on Europe actions

Araqchi, who is in Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Ryabkov, told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that it is no longer a secret that the JCPOA is not a normal condition and is affected by the US withdrawal from the deal and its re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.

‘We are waiting to see whether the remaining parties to the deal including the European states, Russia and China will be able to make up for US exit from the deal and ensure Iran’s benefits from the JCPOA,’ he said.

The Iranian official said ‘Iran has already announced its stance in this regard and Dr. Hassan Rouhani (Iranian President) announced that Iran has yet to decide whether or not to stay in the deal. Our decision depends on negotiations with European countries, Russia and China.’

At the end of the negotiations, it will be decided whether Iran’s commitment to the deal would ensure its interests, he said, adding that he held 3-hour long consultations with Sergey Ryabkov.

In response to a question whether Iran had any expectations from Russia or not, Araqchi replied ‘Iran-Russia relationship is beyond the JCPOA. We will have interactions with Russia with the JCPOA or without it.’

The Iranian official noted that the JCPOA is the joint product of Iran, Russia and some other countries and Moscow’s stance is based on preserving the deal and ensuring Tehran’s benefits from it.

On May 8, US President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the JCPOA under pretext of Iran’s non-commitment to the deal and its alleged support for terrorism. He also vowed to reinstate sanctions on Iran.

Russia, China and other members of the G5+1 while criticizing the US exit announced they would remain in the deal. Iran has set a deadline for Europe to find suitable ways to save the deal.