NEW YORK: France, Germany and the UK accused Iran of escalating its nuclear activities to a point where “we are rapidly reaching the end of the road,” saying Tehran’s actions risk “completely hollowing out” the 2015 nuclear deal that world powers are trying to revive in private talks in Vienna.
“Iran has walked back hard-fought compromises reached after many weeks of challenging negotiations, while at the same time presenting additional maximalist demands,” the three European countries said in a joint statement.
The comments echo frustration that has spilled into public view, with negotiators in Vienna lamenting Iranian demands that go beyond what the deal stipulates.
“The Security Council is seized today of a grave issue,” the joint statement said.
“For two years now, Iran has been taking unprecedented steps, and recently accelerated the pace of most sensitive violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.”
The statement added: “Iran has also curtailed monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, leaving the international community with less knowledge of the status of the Iranian nuclear program. Iran’s nuclear program has never been more advanced than it is today.”
Tehran’s nuclear escalation “is undermining international peace and security, and the global non-proliferation system,” it said.
France, Germany and the UK said they remain committed to the full implementation of the nuclear deal and Security Council resolution 2231.
“We are working tirelessly and in good faith with all partners in Vienna to deliver a deal to save and restore the JCPOA.”
The three countries said that the “diplomatic door is firmly open for Iran to do a deal now,” and called on Tehran to choose “between the collapse of the JCPOA and a fair and comprehensive deal, for the benefit of the Iranian people and nation.”
