Iran May Reconsider JCPOA Commitments
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK
Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani warned Sunday Iran may “seriously reconsider” its commitments to the UN atomic watchdog if European parties to a nuclear deal trigger a dispute mechanism that could lead to sanctions.
The 2015 nuclear accord has been unraveling since last year when the United States unilaterally withdrew from it and began reimposing sanctions on Iran.
The three European countries still party to the deal — Britain, France and Germany — have been trying to salvage it but their efforts have so far borne little fruit.
“If they use the trigger (mechanism), Iran would be forced to seriously reconsider some of its commitments to” the International Atomic Energy Agency, said Ali Larijani.
“If they think doing so is more beneficial to them, they can go ahead,” he told a news conference in Tehran.
Speaking at a press conference marking Majlis Day, Larijani also suggested the current deadlock with the United States could be “fixed” if Iran’s arch-foe learns from the past.
Ahead of the 2015 deal, then U.S. president Barack “Obama wrote a letter and said that I accept Iran’s enrichment, now let’s negotiate,” he said.
“If the American officials have just as much wisdom, to use past experiences, then they can fix this issue.”
Commenting on recent accidents in Iraq and Iran’s concerns, he said with the presence of Iraq’s Grand Cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iran will have no concerns since he is aware of the various dimensions of the issue.
He also rejected the impact of developments in Iraq on Iran, saying Iran considers Iraq as our ally.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani referred to European parliament’s criticisms against Iran, saying they have always been exposed to lobbies.
He noted that Europeans are not fair in some issues.
He said Iran has differences with them but that path of negotiations is still open between Iranian lawmakers and the European parliament.
On his running in the upcoming election, he said he would not run for re-election in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“I represented the noble people of Qom for three terms, which has been an honor for me,” Larijani said.
“However, in general, I do not have any plans to be present in the next Majlis (parliament),” he added.
Parliamentary elections will be held on Feb. 21, 2020 with the approval of the Guardian Council
