Iran criticizes IAEA censure from European countries

Iranian officials have rejected the move by several European countries to censure Iran at the upcoming meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Germany, France and the United Kingdom plan to issue a statement expressing “serious concern” over moves Iran has made that counter the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iranian nuclear deal. As a result of the 2018 US exit from the deal and the reapplication of nuclear sanctions, Iran breached the JCPOA. Iranian officials say the breaches are “reversible” and they could be interested in returning to the deal, but only once all sanctions are lifted.

With Joe Biden as president and US interest in returning to the JCPOA, it seems Europe is ready to take a hard line on Tehran, starting with the IAEA quarterly meeting in Vienna. The Biden administration has called for talks, and those who support negotiations between Iran and the United States say the two sides need to address “sequencing” of sanctions removal and full Iranian compliance to all of the JCPOA’s terms.