Iran Reducing Commitments to JCPOA: Nuclear Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran is currently in the process of scaling back its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in accordance with a parliamentary law, Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami said.
Speaking to reporters in Iran’s Shahrekord on Tuesday, Eslami lashed out at the US for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal and preventing the other countries from working with Iran.
He said the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran complies with the parliamentary law on “strategic action” for lifting of the sanctions and safeguarding national interests when it comes to the JCPOA.
According to the parliamentary law, when the other JCPOA parties fail to honor their commitments, then Iran should reduce its commitments as well, he said.
“We are currently in the phase of reduction of commitments (to the JCPOA),” he added.
Pointing to the periodic meetings of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors, Eslami said the quarterly and biannual reports that the IAEA gives to the Board of Governors and the UNSC certify Iran’s compliance or non-compliance with the JCPOA.
The report includes two sections regarding the NPT and the Safeguards, he stated, adding, “We obey the (parliamentary law on) strategic action for the removal of sanctions when it comes to the JCPOA. Iran’s nuclear activities under the strategic action are within the framework of the Safeguards.”
In January, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani called on the IAEA to perform its professional function and stay away from political issues when it comes to cooperation with Iran.
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the NPT and the Safeguards Agreement, Kanaani said since the conclusion of the JCPOA, Iran has been at the top of the list of countries where the IAEA has carried out the highest number of inspections.