Russia Reaffirms Commitment to JCPOA, Says Unilateral Sanctions ‘Illegal’
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to maintaining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) without the US, denouncing Washington’s policy of unilateral sanctions and threats.
"A campaign against Iran has been gaining momentum in the US as Washington has clearly opted for the policy of ultimatums and threats towards Iran… It is not in line with the spirit of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for Iran’s nuclear program and goes beyond normal relations between countries," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
Slamming the US for its unacceptable demands regarding Iran’s activities, she said, "At the same time, one can see that other participants in the deal are determined to maintain the agreement… We will continue working to that end. The important thing is that Tehran also abides by its obligations, as confirmed by the IAEA."
"As for the future of the JCPOA, it will be decided at the joint commission’s meeting in Vienna on May 25. The event will not involve the United States for the first time," Zakharova added.
"We have never supported the policy of unilateral sanctions and will never do that as we believe them to be illegal. We are determined to advance our comprehensive cooperation with Iran," she concluded.
US President Donald Trump announced on May 8 that Washington was walking away from the JCPOA, which was reached in 2015 after around two years of negotiations.
Following the US exit, Iran and the remaining parties -Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany- have launched talks to save the accord.