TEHRAN - Russia's permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has voiced skepticism about the revival of the Iran nuclear deal, describing the chances as currently at a minimum.

In an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti news agency network on Friday, Ulyanov highlighted that during his tenure leading the Russian delegation in March 2022, nearly all aspects of the agreement to reinstate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) had been discussed and agreed upon, reaching 99% completion. However, he remarked, “The chances are at the lowest point to revive the JCPOA.” 

The Russian diplomat noted a significant shift in Washington's position during the fall of 2022, signaling a reluctance to revive the nuclear agreement with Iran. This stance was later mirrored by the UK, France, and Germany, leading to their departure from the negotiating table between February and March of that year.

Ulyanov emphasized the hypocritical nature of statements from European troika representatives regarding Iran's alleged non-compliance with the JCPOA. He pointed out that the 2022 agreement had unequivocally confirmed Tehran's adherence to nuclear commitments.

Addressing the recent uproar from Western nations over Iran's uranium enrichment to 60%, Ulyanov reminded that the JCPOA strictly limits Iran to 3.67% enrichment, highlighting a departure from this agreement by Western nations themselves.

In his concluding remarks, Ulyanov criticized the West’s position, deeming it "completely illogical." He underscored the precarious nature of the current situation, fraught with uncontrollable tensions at any moment. However, he acknowledged that the decision to return to the negotiating table ultimately rested with the West, emphasizing that Russia cannot compel them to resume talks.

The JCPOA, signed in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France - along with Germany, facilitated relief from sanctions for Iran in exchange for adjustments to certain aspects of its nuclear activities.

The United States under former president Donald Trump unilaterally walked out of the deal in May 2018, despite Iran’s full compliance with the terms of the agreement. Consequently, Washington's European allies, including France, Germany, and the UK, aligned with the sanctions by curtailing their trade activities with Iran.

The "maximum pressure" campaign initiated by Trump, although falling short of achieving its intended goals, had severe repercussions on ordinary Iranians, especially those grappling with life-threatening illnesses. Even with the change in administration to Joe Biden, the sanctions persisted, constricting financial channels crucial for acquiring basic goods and medicine. This, in turn, disrupted supply chains by limiting the number of suppliers willing to facilitate the sale of humanitarian goods to Iran.

Despite claims by Washington and its Western allies that humanitarian goods were exempted from sanctions, tens of thousands of patients in Iran have over the years died or developed critical ailments due to the non-availability of essential drugs over the years.

Iran vehemently denounced these sanctions as acts of "economic war," "economic terrorism," and "medical terrorism."

The subsequent Vienna talks, initiated in April 2021 with the UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China, aimed at reinstating the JCPOA. Iran, firm in its stance, insisted on the verifiable removal of all U.S. sanctions and sought guarantees against a future abandonment of the agreement by Washington.

However, discussions hit a standstill in August 2022, primarily due to Washington's unwavering position of not lifting all the sanctions imposed on Tehran by the previous U.S. administration. Adding to the complexity, the U.S. and the European Union imposed additional sanctions on Iran in response to nationwide riots in Iran and allegations of Tehran supplying armed drones to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine – claims that Tehran vehemently denies.

MAS