Rosemary DiCarlo summary female Security Council on developments surrounding the 2015 agreement, known as the accord Joint comprehensive action plan (JCPOA) and its implementation Council Resolution 2231 (2015) confirmed it.
The JCPOA sets out strict mechanisms to monitor restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, while also paving the way for the lifting of sanctions against the country.
It was signed between Iran and the five permanent members of the Council – China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States – along with Germany and the European Union. The US withdrew its troops in May 2018 under the Trump administration.
End the deadlock
Ms. DiCarlo noted that there are 10 months to go until the “Termination Date” of Resolution 2231 (2015) and that the deadlock on restoring the JCPOA persists amid a deteriorating regional context.
“In that context, The need for a comprehensive, long-term solution to restore the Plan’s goals has never been greater,” she told the ambassadors.
She said the United States had not returned to the JCPOA, nor had it lifted or waived unilateral sanctions re-imposed after withdrawal, and waivers related to oil trade with Iran. has not been renewed yet.
For its part, Iran “has not reversed any steps taken since May 2019 to leave nuclear-related commitments,” she added.
Verification and surveillance ‘severely impacted’
Ms. DiCarlo quoted the United Nations-backed nuclear energy watchdog, IAEArecently reported that its verification and monitoring activities have been “severely impacted by Iran’s suspension of nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.”
The IAEA also noted that it had a continuing loss of knowledge about many aspects of Iran’s nuclear program.
“In simple terms, the Agency cannot assure the international community of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.she said.
Enriched uranium stockpile ‘worrying’
Furthermore, the IAEA is still unable to verify the country’s stockpile of enriched uranium, a situation that has existed since February 2021.
“However, it is estimated that Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium is about 32 times the amount allowed under the JCPOA.she said.
“This includes increasing the amount of enriched uranium to 20% and 60%. A stockpile of enriched uranium and this level of enrichment remains very worrying.”
The IAEA has also issued two special reports describe Iran’s intention to begin previously declared uranium enrichment activities beyond JCPOA limits as well as information about activities to increase enriched uranium production by 60%.
‘Overcoming challenges’
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General has received letters from a number of countries participating in the JCPOA.
France, Germany and Britain exchanged different views with Iran and Russia on the root causes of the impasse, their respective steps taken and their views on the way forward.
“The Secretary-General is concerned about the ongoing and persistent disagreements between these Member States at such a critical time,” she said.
“Despite these differences, these Member States have expressed their commitment to making constructive efforts to resolve them. I call on all JCPOA participants and the United States to rise to this challenge.”
In concluding her remarks, Ms. DiCarlo echoed the Secretary-General’s call for these countries to “prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy” – the principles that made the JCPOA possible.
‘Time is of the essence’
“All parties must have political will and urgently re-engage in negotiations. Time is of the essence,” she warned.
“While the responsibility lies with the JCPOA participants and the United States, their success or failure matters to all of us. This region cannot tolerate further instability.”
She emphasized the need for a real commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, saying that “that is the way to restore confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, realizing the aspirations of Iranian people and contribute to stability in the region and beyond.”
