Tehran: "constructive" emergency meeting on nuclear issue, but guarantees are needed

Over the weekend, the countries still bound by the pact signed in 2015 met. Faced with moderate optimism, the Iranian delegate recalled the "unresolved issues" including the protection of businesses affected by US sanctions. Chinese delegate: common commitment to save Jcpoa, "opposition" to Washington's "unilateral" moves.

Vienna (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The emergency meeting with the remaining countries that signed the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement - the United States was missing, withdrawn in May last year - had a "constructive" outcome, says the leader of Tehran's delegation Abbas Araqchi. He adds, however, that some "unresolved questions" remain on the table. At the same time, the Islamic Republic will continue to "reduce" the commitments provided by the pact if Europeans fail to save [what remains].

The objective of these meetings is to ease the growing tensions of recent months, which have spiked in this current period resulting in the mutual seizure of oil tankers between Iran and Great Britain, with the danger of a military escalation. And keeping the 2015 nuclear agreement alive, despite Tehran already starting to overcome the limits and restrictions set by the pact.

US-Iranian tensions were triggered by US President Donald Trump’s 2018 decision to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ​​agreed by his predecessor, Barack Obama, which was followed by the toughest sanctions in history against Iran. Washington, which has its sight sets on the oil exports of the Islamic Republic has strengthened the military presence in the area. But the sanctions are primarily affecting the population.

In addition to Iran, the nations still bound by the agreement, Great Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China participated in the emergency meeting held in Vienna over the weekend. For European partners further violations by Tehran could fuel new tensions and provide the prerequisites for an armed conflict. To remain bound by the terms of the agreement, Tehran has always asked for protections and guarantees in terms of trade, which until now Europe has not been able to supply due to US sanctions and US diplomatic pressure.

"The atmosphere was constructive," Iranian delegate Abbas Araqchi commented warmly. "And the discussion  good. I cannot say - he adds - that we have solved all the problems. But I can confirm that everyone's commitment is great ”. "As we have already said - he concludes - we will continue to reduce our constraints in the context of the agreement, until the Europeans guarantee Iran's interests". Another Iranian diplomat, on anonymity, makes it clear, however, that "all the steps taken so far are reversible, if the other parties keep their commitments".

The Chinese delegation chief Fu Cong, director general of the Department of arms control at the Foreign Ministry, also spoke on the outcome of the weekend meeting. "All the parties involved - he warns - have expressed their commitment to safeguarding the Jcpoa and guaranteeing its application in a balanced manner". At the same time, he underlines the "strong opposition" of all participants in the "unilateral imposition of sanctions" decided by the United States.