Rosemary DeCarlo briefed the Security Council on progress in implementing the 2015 Agreement and Council Resolution 2231 of 2015, which it adopted. This agreement is officially known as the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action/JCPOA’.
Under the deal, signed in 2015, rules were introduced to monitor Iran’s domestic nuclear program, paving the way for the lifting of US sanctions.
Iran, the five permanent members of the Security Council – China, France, Russia, Britain, the US, along with Germany and the European Union have agreed on this. However, in May 2018, during the Trump administration, the United States withdrew from the agreement.
Break the deadlock
Rosemary DiCarlo reported that Resolution 2231 (2015) Now only 10 months left for ‘last date’. But the stalemate over JCPOA restoration remains and the regional situation is already worsening.
“Against this background, the need for a comprehensive and long-term solution to restore the objectives of that plan is more urgent than ever,” he told the ambassadors.
The United States has not returned to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, nor lifted the sanctions unilaterally reimposed on Iran when it withdrew from the deal in May 2018. America has not extended the concession period in oil trade with Iran.
At the same time, the Iranian government has not withdrawn the measures taken since May 2019, which do not match its obligations under the nuclear deal. ,
Difficulty in verification and monitoring
UN Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo referred to a recently released report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which states that Iran’s withdrawal from its nuclear obligations under the JCPOA has seriously affected its verification process and its monitoring efforts.
The IAEA also said that there is a lack of consistent information on many aspects of Iran’s nuclear program.
“Frankly, the agency is unable to reassure the international community that Iran’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes,” he said.
Enriched uranium stockpile ‘worrisome’
The UN nuclear agency has not confirmed Iran’s total stockpile of enriched uranium as of February 2021.
“However, it is estimated that Iran may have 32 times the amount of uranium enrichment allowed in the nuclear deal,” he said.
“It also contains increased amounts of 20 percent and 60 percent enriched uranium. The Under Secretary General said that this huge stockpile of enriched uranium and its enrichment to this level is of concern.”
The IAEA has issued two special reports detailing Iran’s intention to increase uranium enrichment output to 60 percent in addition to resuming enrichment activities above previously announced limits.
‘Meet the Challenge’
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General has received some letters from parties involved in the JCPOA.
Along with Iran and Russia, France, Germany and Britain shared their views on the reasons for the impasse, the steps taken and the way forward.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the continuing disagreements between the parties to the treaty at this critical juncture,” said Rosemary DiCarlo.
“Despite these differences, member states are committed to making constructive efforts to resolve them. I urge all parties to the JCPOA and the United States to work to address these challenges.”
Finally, Rosemary DiCarlo echoed the Secretary-General’s call to “prioritize multilateralism and diplomacy”—the same principles that made the JCPOA possible.
‘Time is precious’
“All parties must show political will and immediately re-engage in dialogue. Time is of the essence,” he warned.
“While all JCPOA parties and the United States have responsibilities, their success or failure matters to all of us. The region can no longer tolerate instability.”
“This is the only way to build confidence in Iran’s nuclear program for peaceful purposes. It is possible and can contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Iranian people,” he said, stressing a genuine commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. for stability in the region and beyond.”