Iran FM dismisses EU’s proposal to halt nuclear programme

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has dismissed a recent European Union proposal urging negotiations to halt Iran’s nuclear programme, AL24 News reported on July 3rd.

Araqchi described the demand as a breach of international law, which could undermine the integrity of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In a message posted on July 2nd on his X account, Araqchi criticised EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, claiming her stance goes against the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and the JCPOA itself.

He stated: “If the Coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission believes that the objective of any potential negotiation is ‘ending Iran’s nuclear program,’ it means that: Kaja Kallas disregards the NPT, which affirms the right of all signatories to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.”

He also warned that this approach negates the legal basis for the snapback sanctions mechanism and renders any future EU involvement in talks “irrelevant and meaningless.” His response came after Kallas called on July 1st for Iran to begin immediate discussions aimed at restricting its nuclear developments.

After the US pulled out of the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reinstated sanctions, Iran has progressively scaled back its commitments, increasing uranium enrichment levels. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, including energy production and medical use.

Although the EU and the E3 (France, Germany, and the U.K.) continue efforts to restore the nuclear deal through diplomacy, Iran has repeatedly condemned European countries for failing to uphold their commitments and for remaining passive in response to U.S. actions.

The ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and the JCPOA continue to influence regional stability and international diplomatic relations.

AL24 News