Linking JCPOA to other issues is based on wrong approaches

The third round of Iran-Sweden political talks took place on Sunday in Tehran, chaired by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi and Annika Söder, State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

“Any attempt to link the JCPOA to any other issues or appease and give concessions to the violator of the agreement, which is the US, is based on wrong approaches and understanding, and will further complicate the situation in the Middle East and the world,” Araghchi said at the meeting.

The JCPOA is at risk of falling apart because of Trump administration's bullying behavior and lack of commitment, Araghchi warned.

He went on to add, “the JCPOA, before anything else, is a security agreement on non-proliferation, and any undermining measure will weaken the non-proliferation system and escalate crises in the region. It will put all of us in a position to choose between security and insecurity.”

Araghchi further called on all sides to the nuclear deal, particularly the European sides, to make every effort to realize the objectives of this strategic agreement.

Annika Söder, for her part, voiced Europe’s resolve to preserve and implement the nuclear deal, and expressed hope that the current international efforts would lead Trump to finally make a decision on respecting the JCPOA.

/SR