Europe, US frustrated with Iranian stance in nuclear talks

Berlin: By European diplomats are expressing frustration with Iran’s stance in talks aimed at salvaging its tattered 2015 nuclear deal, saying they are wasting “precious time” dealing with new Iranian demands and that “time is running out.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday diplomacy remains best option but that Washington is engaging with partners on alternatives.

Talks in Vienna between remaining signatories to 2015 agreement, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, resumed last week in Vienna.

Diplomats from Britain, France and Germany had urged Tehran to come back with “realistic proposals” after Iranian delegation — representing country’s new hard-line government — previously made numerous demands that other participants deemed unacceptable.

Senior diplomats from three European powers made clear on Monday night that things have not improved although “all delegations have pressed Iran to be reasonable.” Russia and China also are part of agreement with Iran.

The United States has participated indirectly in ongoing talks because it withdrew from accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump. President Joe Biden has signaled that he wants to rejoin deal. “As of this moment, we still have not been able to get down to real



negotiations,”  European diplomats said. “We are losing precious time dealing with new Iranian positions inconsistent with JCPOA or that go beyond it.” They said  situation is frustrating because the outline of a “comprehensive and fair agreement” that removes all sanctions related to the nuclear deal while addressing nonproliferation concerns had been visible last summer. “Time is running out,” they warned. “Without swift progress, in light of Iran’s fast-forwarding of its nuclear program, the JCPOA will very soon become an empty shell.”

The accord, sealed in Vienna in 2015, was meant to rein in Iran’s nuclear program in return for loosened economic sanctions.

FollowingUS decision to withdraw and reimpose sanctions on Iran, Tehran has ramped up its nuclear program again by enriching uranium beyond thresholds allowed in agreement.

Iran has also restricted monitors from UN atomic watchdog from accessing its nuclear facilities, raising concerns about what country is doing out of view. Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, Blinken pointed to frustration expressed by European powers. “We continue at this hour, on this day to pursue diplomacy because it remains at this moment best option, but we are actively engaging with allies and partners on alternatives,” he said.