UK, France, Germany ‘regret’ US decision on Iran

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON

The UK, France and Germany expressed ‘regret and concern’ Tuesday over President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal.

In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized their countries’ continuing commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“This agreement remains important for our shared security,” they said.

Trump on Tuesday withdrew the U.S. from the landmark nuclear accord which world powers struck with Iran in 2015.

He opted not to extend sanctions relief on Iran ahead of a May 12 deadline, vowing instead to re-impose the U.S.'s nuclear-related sanctions.

Underlining that the JCPOA was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council in Resolution 2231, the three nations argued that it remains the binding international legal framework for resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.

“We urge all sides to remain committed to its full implementation and to act in a spirit of responsibility,” they said.

“Iran continues to abide by the restrictions set out by the JCPOA in line with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

“The world is a safer place as a result. Therefore we, the E3 [the UK, France and Germany] will remain parties to the JCPOA,” they said.

The leaders also said their governments remain committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld and will work with the remaining parties to the deal to ensure this remains the case, including through ensuring the continuing economic benefits to the Iranian people that are linked to the agreement.

The statement also urged the U.S. to ensure that the structures of the JCPOA remain intact and to avoid taking actions that obstruct the JCPOA’s full implementation by the other parties to the deal.

“We call on the U.S. to do everything possible to preserve the gains for nuclear non-proliferation brought about by the JCPOA by allowing for a continued enforcement of its main elements,” it added.

Also urging Iran to show restraint in response to the U.S. decision, the European leaders said Tehran must continue to meet its obligations under the deal and cooperate fully and in a timely manner with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection requirements.

“The IAEA must be able to continue to carry out its long-term verification and monitoring program without restriction or hindrance. In turn, Iran should continue to receive the sanctions relief it is entitled to whilst it remains in compliance with the terms of the deal,” they said.

They said there also must be no doubt that Iran’s nuclear program must always remain peaceful and civilian.

The leaders noted that their commitment to the security of their allies and partners in the region is unwavering.

“We must also address in a meaningful way shared concerns about Iran’s ballistic missile program and its destabilizing regional activities, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.”

They added that they have already started constructive and mutually beneficial discussions on these issues, and the E3 is committed to continuing them with key partners and concerned states across the region.

“We and our foreign ministers will reach out to all parties to the JCPOA to seek a positive way forward.”