Moscow Slams Washington’s Unilateral Approach to JCPOA
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov took a swipe at the US for its “unilateral approach” to international issues, particularly the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Speaking at a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi in Tehran on Tuesday, Ryabkov praised Iran for taking “a responsible approach” to the JCPOA and remaining fully committed to its obligations under the deal.
He said Russia “very strongly” supports the JCPOA and believes that there is no replacement for the deal.
Ryabkov further denounced Washington’s unilateral approach to global issues, particularly the JCPOA, and stressed the need to prevent the US from taking provocative measures that are in contradiction with its obligations under the JCPOA.
Araqchi, for his part, said the irresponsible approach adopted by the US to the JCPOA, particularly under the country’s new administration, reflects “the radical and unilateralist stance” of Washington on all international issues.
The US measures prove its disregard for the international community’s will, added Araqchi, who also heads the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s task force on the JCPOA implementation.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, US, Britain, France, and Germany) on July 14, 2015, reached a conclusion over the text of the JCPOA. The accord took effect in January 2016 and was supposed to terminate all nuclear-related sanctions against Iran all at once, but its implementation has been hampered mainly due to US policies.
