Josep Borrell “underlined the great importance of a quick resumption of the Vienna talks to bring the JCPOA back on track,” read an EU statement, referring to the nuclear deal by its full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
“He expressed his concern about the recent nuclear steps by Iran and the overall trajectory of the nuclear programme and underlined the importance of close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He recalled the need for all the participants of the talks to have a realistic and flexible approach to the negotiations, in order to reach a compromise that will be in the interest of all,” the statement added.
Discussions to bring the United States back into the deal, lifting sanctions that were imposed after former President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018, and Iran back to full compliance with its nuclear obligations were making progress earlier this summer, but were suspended pending the inauguration of Iran’s new President Ebrahim Raisi. The parliament this week confirmed the majority of his cabinet, including Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as foreign minister.
Speaking with Borrell, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is committed to “constructive talks within the framework of balanced diplomacy,” but said the talks must “produce tangible results and fulfill the rights of the Iranian people,” according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
The US and Iran had not sat down at the negotiating table together, instead American delegates were participating indirectly, with European partners shuttling back and forth, yet substantial progress was made and Iran’s envoy in June said a deal was closer than ever.
After the US left the deal and reimposed sanctions, Iran steadily walked back on its nuclear commitments and is enriching uranium to more than 60 percent purity, far above the limit set in the deal.
Washington’s special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, speaking with RFE/RL, said the US is ready to make “difficult compromises,” but is unsure Tehran intends to come back to the deal.
Russia has also urged Iran to resume talks, in a conversation on Thursday between their foreign ministers.
