EU3 express regret as Iran breaches JCPOA accords

In a statement, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, along with the High Representative of the European Council (Federica Mogherini), have said that they express ‘deep concern that Iran is pursuing activities inconsistent with its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).’

The International Atomic Energy Agency has recently confirmed that Iran has begun to enrich uranium beyond the 3.67% level set under the JCPOA.

The ministers said: ‘Iran has stated that it wants to remain within the JCPoA. It must act accordingly by reversing these activities and returning to full JCPoA compliance without delay.

‘These compliance issues must be addressed within the framework of the JCPoA, and a Joint Commission should be convened urgently​. We call on all parties to act responsibly towards deescalating ongoing tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.’

The government of Iran says that the US’s withdrawal from the agreement and the escalation of sanctions means its economy is now suffering more, even, than before it entered the JCPOA, and has threatened to increase enrichment unless it sees benefits from the JCPOA.

On 10 July, French presidential adviser Emmanuelle Bonne met with Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif in an attempt to find a way through the current impasse. Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump has tweeted that Iran has been ‘secretly enriching’ and threatened further sanctions, as the United Kingdom sends another warship to the Straits of Hormuz to deter potential efforts by Iran to interfere with international shipping.