TEHRAN – A former Iranian diplomat believes the 2015 nuclear agreement can survive U.S. unilateral withdrawal provided that the other signatories to the deal – Russia, China, France, Britain Germany and the European Union – show persistence in saving the accord by securing Iran’s interests. In an interview with the Hamshahri newspaper published on Saturday, […]
TEHRAN – A former Iranian diplomat believes the 2015 nuclear agreement can survive U.S. unilateral withdrawal provided that the other signatories to the deal – Russia, China, France, Britain Germany and the European Union – show persistence in saving the accord by securing Iran’s interests.
In an interview with the Hamshahri newspaper published on Saturday, Ali Asqar Khaji, who attended nuclear talks with American negotiators in Oman during Barack Obama’s administration, expressed the hope that the historic pact, also referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), would be saved from U.S. pressure and becomes a successful diplomatic experience in the world.
The JCPOA was a necessity for Iran and the other side, and it took a lot of energy in order to bring all sides together to achieve a win-win game, Khaji stated.
“The reality is that America played an essential role in [achieving] BARJAM (Persian acronym for the JCPOA), but the new U.S. administration’s withdrawal from BARJAM created a problem which cannot be denied,” he said. “But the question is whether BARJAM can survive without America.”
The former diplomat further explained that saving the deal would be difficult for Europe because its economy is mostly controlled by the private sector, which can be pressured by the U.S. into pulling out of Iran’s market.
However, he said he hopes Europe, China and Russia cooperate and provide Iran with a package that secures Iran’s interests, so that Iran would be able to pass through such difficult times.
Khaji also pointed to the Trump administration’s hostile stance against Iran, saying, “I do not see any sort of good-will in the current U.S. administration to resolve the issue, unless Iran gives up everything and surrenders, which we will never do.”
“So, I’m not optimistic about talks,” he added.
Khaji who has served as different posts at the foreign ministry also said the Trump administration is “unpredictable” and his call for dialogue with Iran “is not real”.
“Today I understand that Trump’s slogan for negotiation is not real,” he remarked.
He also said if “we do not understand the difference between Obama and Trump we cannot live in this world. There is difference between John Kerry and Pompeo”.
Khaji also said though Iran does not trust the U.S., officials in Tehran are so wise “not to close eyes on opportunities” if there would be a chance which would meet national interests.
