UNSC EU Members Reaffirm Commitment to JCPOA

"We, as the European Union members of the (Security) Council, would like to underline our commitment and continued support to the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231," the group said in a statement, Xinhua reported.

"It has been confirmed that Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments. The JCPOA has significantly rolled back Iran's nuclear program and ensures it does not develop a nuclear weapon. This is key for European security."

As long as Iran continues to implement its commitments in full, the EU will remain fully committed to the continued implementation of the agreement, said the statement, endorsed by Britain, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland -- the current EU members on the Security Council -- and Belgium, Germany, and Italy.

Belgium and Germany will become council members next year. Italy split a two-year council term with the Netherlands.

The statement regretted the withdrawal of the United States from the July 2015 deal between Iran and six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia as well as the United States -- and the re-imposition of US sanctions against Iran, which have brought about considerable challenges to the nuclear deal.

"It is essential that the JCPOA continues to work for all participants, including by delivering economic benefits to the people of Iran," added the statement read by Dutch ambassador to the United Nations Karel van Oosterom.

"In this context, in line with Resolution 2231, efforts led by France, Germany and the United Kingdom are actively contributing to the international efforts to preserve trade and financial channels in Iran."

The statement raised concerns about the findings of the UN secretary-general regarding Iran's "ballistic missile-related activities such as the launch of nuclear-capable missiles and any transfers of missiles, missile technologies and components which would be in violation of Security Council resolutions."

"Though separate from the JCPOA, we call on Iran to refrain from such activities, which deepen mistrust and increase regional tensions and are in nonconformity with Resolution 2231. We call on Iran to address these issues in dialogue with relevant actors," said the statement.

"We support a comprehensive approach with Iran, based on the pursuit of robust dialogue and, as necessary, targeted pressure, with a view to addressing all concerns regarding Iran's nuclear, missile and regional activities."

Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran “not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons.”

Iranian officials have time and again underscored that none of the country’s missiles have been designed to be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, because nuclear weapons have basically no place in Iran’s defense doctrine.

The statement further said the nuclear deal is an example of effective multilateralism and a key element of the non-proliferation regime. "It is working and delivering on its intended goal."

The EU members called on the entire international community to continue implementing the Iran nuclear deal and Resolution 2231.

Under the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of anti-Tehran sanctions.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of the United States, Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, claimed that Iran’s “ballistic missile activity has grown since the nuclear deal”, adding that “Iran has exploited the goodwill of nations and defied multiple Security Council resolutions in its quest for a robust ballistic missile force.”

Pompeo called on the Council to “thwart Iran’s continuing efforts to circumvent the existing arms restrictions,” adding that the nuclear deal has “shielded the Islamic Republic of Iran from accountability to the risks it presents to the world.”

In response, Eshaq Al-e-Habib, the Iranian deputy ambassador to the UN, described the US withdrawal from the agreement, and the subsequent re-imposition of sanctions, as “unlawful conduct” and a “clear violation” of the resolution endorsing the plan. He said that the Council should “strongly condemn the US for re-imposing its illegal sanctions against Iranians in violation of the UN Charter and international law.”

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