Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov supports the revival of the JCPOA, which the U.S. exited in 2018. He warns against linking a new deal to Iran’s regional influence and emphasizes that all nations should have equal rights in the region. Russia aims to restore the original agreement through continued discussions with the U.S. and European partners.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reaffirmed Moscow’s dedication to reinstating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), originally agreed upon in 2015. During an interview with American bloggers, Lavrov discussed the negotiations involving the JCPOA and noted that the situation is a part of ongoing discussions between Russia and the United States, alongside consultations with European nations.
Lavrov emphasized the importance of restoring the original agreement, which the United States exited during the Trump administration. He stated, “We’ll see how it goes,” reflecting on his dialogues with both American and European officials regarding the JCPOA’s future.
Further commenting on U.S. intentions, Lavrov addressed reports indicating that President Trump proposed a new nuclear deal with conditions. He cautioned that linking Iran’s nuclear negotiations to its support for groups in the Middle East would be counterproductive, asserting that the political pressures from the U.S. are concerning.
Moreover, Lavrov rejected the idea of pressuring Iran regarding its regional influence, asserting that it is unreasonable to allow every country but Iran the right to affect neighboring nations. The JCPOA, established by the P5+1 group in 2015, was compromised when the U.S. withdrew in 2018, imposing sanctions that had been previously lifted under the agreement. Subsequently, Europe struggled to uphold their commitments, prompting Iran to reduce its nuclear restrictions after a year of inaction.
In summary, Russia remains committed to revitalizing the JCPOA, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue without imposing political conditions on Iran. The differing approaches between the United States and Russia highlight the complexities surrounding the negotiation process, particularly concerning regional influence and nuclear commitments. Lavrov’s insights reflect Russia’s strategic stance within this multifaceted international issue.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
