Final Efforts to Save Nuclear Deal with Iran at Vienna Meeting
Countries seeking to salvage the JCPOA are holding a meeting in the Austrian capital despite the “trigger mechanism” proposal. The meeting aims to find a solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran and prevent the return of UN sanctions.
Attention has once again turned to Vienna, the capital of Austria, regarding the nuclear dispute. Countries involved in the 2015 nuclear deal, excluding the United States, are determined to find a solution to save the nuclear agreement with Iran.
This comes as three European countries—France, Germany, and Britain—have taken action in response to Iran’s step-by-step reduction of its nuclear commitments by activating the “trigger mechanism.”
The German news agency reported on Wednesday, March 18 (February 26), on a meeting in Vienna announcing the convening of the “JCPOA Rescue Committee” session. Should Iran’s nuclear case be referred to the United Nations, there is a risk of the renewal of international sanctions against Iran.
The Vienna meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 26, with senior diplomats from Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia, along with Iran, participating. A representative from the European Union will also be sent to the Vienna meeting.
According to the German news agency’s report, the goal of this meeting is to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute with Iran. In response to US sanctions and the “inaction” of European countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran has gradually reduced limitations on uranium enrichment.
Last month, the Islamic Republic announced that in the fifth round of reducing its JCPOA commitments, it would no longer abide by the obligations and requirements stipulated in the nuclear agreement. However, political observers believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not yet taken any steps toward a complete violation of the JCPOA.
Britain, France, and Germany also announced on January 14 that they had no choice but to refer Iran’s nuclear case to the UN Security Council. Such action, known as the “trigger mechanism,” could lead to the renewal and resumption of international sanctions against Iran.
Outlook for the Vienna Meeting
Nevertheless, the three European countries involved in the nuclear deal have stated that their priority is to preserve and save the nuclear agreement. The 65-day deadline set in relation to the “trigger mechanism” can be extended if the countries involved agree.
Therefore, the Vienna meeting is being held with the participation of senior diplomats from countries party to the nuclear agreement, excluding the United States.
The French news agency has also announced in its report that no timeline has yet been set for reaching an agreement on the nuclear dispute.
Quoting one of the diplomats participating in the Vienna meeting, this agency stated that the participating countries are still far from reaching an agreement on the nuclear dispute with Iran.
Therefore, it does not appear that the Wednesday, February 26 meeting of countries interested in the nuclear agreement with Iran will be able to bring about a decisive change in the nuclear dispute with this country.
Source: DW
