Briefing by EU Ambassador Skoog – UN Security Council: Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (Iran)

- FINAL -

Mr. President,

1. It is an honour to have the opportunity to address the Council on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Josep Borrell, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the JCPOA). 

2. I would like to thank Secretary General António Guterres and the Secretariat for their work related to the implementation of Resolution 2231 as well as Malta as the Facilitator of Resolution 2231.

3. Let me highlight the important role of the IAEA as the sole impartial and independent international organisation mandated by the Security Council to monitor and verify the implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation commitments under the JCPOA.

4. The IAEA continues to document the expansion of Iran’s nuclear programme gravely departing from its JCPOA commitments, notably as regards the expansion of Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure and the continued rise of highly enriched uranium stockpile including at 60%, which is of particular proliferation concern. Moreover, the relationship with the IAEA has further deteriorated in recent months with a negative impact on the Agency’s ability to carry out its monitoring duties.

5. We continue to recognise that Iran has faced and continues facing very serious negative economic consequences following the US’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and the re-imposition of previously lifted US unilateral sanctions. The US have also imposed additional sanctions linked to the nuclear programme. On its side, the EU has lifted all its nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions since the JCPOA Implementation Day and this remains the case.

6. On 14 September, the High Representative received a letter from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom stating that Iran has been in non-compliance with the JCPOA since 2019 and that this has not been resolved through the JCPOA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism. They expressed their intention not to take the steps regarding the lifting of further sanctions on JCPOA Transition Day on 18 October 2023.

7. As Coordinator, the High Representative, in line with the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism, consulted all JCPoA participants on the way ahead. Following these consultations, he noted that the issue remained unresolved given the diverging views expressed. At the same time, he noted that participants reiterated their determination to find a diplomatic solution in the framework of the JCPOA,

8. Subsequently, the EU Council decided to maintain the restrictive measures under the EU non-proliferation regime on Iran on Transition day. This step is reversible and does not amount to the imposition of additional EU sanctions on Iran. Moreover, all EU sanctions that had already been lifted under the JCPOA remain lifted.

9. The EU continues to support the full and effective implementation of a restored JCPOA and of Resolution 2231.

10. On its side, to our knowledge, Iran has not sought the ratification of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements as it was supposed to do on Transition day.

11. Regarding other aspects of JCPOA implementation, we note that the Procurement Channel, remains ready to receive proposals. It was designed as a transparency and confidence-building mechanism to give assurances that transfers of nuclear and dual-use goods and services are fully in line with Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA. Moreover, civil nuclear cooperation with Iran, under Annex III of the JCPOA continues.

Mr. President,

12. We are extremely worried about Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine including through deliveries of drones which was done in violation of the provisions of UNSCR 2231. We call on the Government of Iran to stop that military cooperation with a country that is violating every principle of the UN Charter. This cooperation has not stopped and has even increased as publicly announced. The EU will continue to respond to this, as necessary.

Mr. President,

13. The world is facing a range of severe crises. In this context it is important to keep in mind that the current deeply troubling situation in the Middle East makes even more urgent to find ways to stabilise the region, of which the JCPOA should be an essential part.

14. With this in mind, we call on all remaining parties to the JCPOA and the United States to sustain dialogue in order to address without delay the Iranian nuclear programme.  Nuclear diplomacy must be restored.

15. We concur with the Secretary-General’s assessment in his report that the JCPOA still represents the best available option for ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.

16. We urge Iran to resume full cooperation with the IAEA, and to refrain from any more step away from its JCPOA commitments as a first and minimum measure.

17. De-escalation steps on the nuclear front will help restore trust. They could re-create an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations possibly leading ultimately to a fully effective JCPOA.

18. In August 2022, the High Representative had been able to put forward a compromise text laying down the necessary steps for the US to return to the JCPOA and for Iran to resume the full implementation of its commitments. Regrettably, it was not possible to reach a deal at that time and since then, the overall political context has aggravated the situation and has made a return to the negotiation table even more difficult. That compromise text is still on the table as a potential point of departure for any renewed effort to bring JCPOA back on track.

19. The High representative continues his efforts to facilitate the dialogue between all participants in the JCPOA and with the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President.