Iran Serious in 60-Day Ultimatum on JCPOA: MP
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission highlighted the country’s determination in a recent decision to give a 60-day ultimatum to the European parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Valiollah Nanvakenari pointed to a recent statement by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) to halt some of Iran’s commitments under the JCPOA and said the Islamic Republic is seriously determined to enforce the 60-day deadline given to the Europeans.
“Europe should live up to its obligations under the JCPOA,” he said, adding that Iran’s “hands are not tied up” in the face of the European Union.
“If the Europeans do not meet the 60-day deadline set by Iran for fulfilling their obligations, they would be faced with Iran’s practical measures,” the lawmaker went on to say.
The SNSC issued a statement on Wednesday, saying Iran is no longer fulfilling some of its obligations under the JCPOA, and setting a two-month deadline for the remaining parties to fulfill their undertakings.
“At the current stage, we are not committed to complying with restrictions on the keeping enriched uranium reserves and heavy water supplies,” the SNSC stated.
The statement came a few days after the US administration renewed five of seven sanctions waivers that allow Russia and European nations to conduct civilian nuclear cooperation with Iran but revoked the other two as part of its pressure campaign against Tehran.
Washington also stopped issuing waivers to buy Iranian crude oil on May 2.
Before the US moves, Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, had warned against their consequences.
On May 8, 2018, US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the JCPOA.
Following the US withdrawal, Iran and the remaining parties launched talks to save the accord.
The European Union has vowed to counter Trump’s renewed sanctions on Iran, including by means of a new law to shield European companies from punitive measures, but it has so far failed to do anything beyond making statements.
