Iran‘s Araghchi Criticizes European Approach to Nuclear Deal, Warns of Regional Instability
In a recent opinion piece published in The Guardian, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticized the European approach to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), asserting that Europe has failed to uphold its commitments while wrongly focusing blame on Iran. Araghchi argued that the United States, not Iran, was the party that initially withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, triggering a cascade of events that have destabilized the region.
Araghchi highlighted that Tehran responded to the US withdrawal and subsequent reimposition of sanctions with what he described as “lawful remedial measures” permitted under the terms of the accord.He further stated that the European signatories – the E3 (UK, Germany, and France) – failed to deliver on promises to protect trade with Iran following the US sanctions. “None of it materialised,” he wrote, adding that Europe’s stated goal of “strategic autonomy” proved vulnerable to US pressure.
He accused Europe of passively supporting Washington’s policies,citing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s comments in June suggesting the West benefits from the Israeli assault against Iran. Merz reportedly stated, “This is dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.” Araghchi argued that such statements demonstrate a lack of genuine commitment to the JCPOA.”Openly cheerleading illegal military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities protected by international law… does not constitute ‘participation’,” he wrote.
Despite the criticisms, Araghchi reiterated iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue. “[Iran] is ready to forge a realistic and lasting bargain that entails ironclad oversight and curbs on enrichment in exchange for the termination of sanctions,” he stated. He cautioned, however, that ignoring this prospect could lead to increased regional instability, notably given escalating tensions with Israel. He warned that Iran’s armed forces are prepared to respond forcefully to further Israeli provocations, potentially drawing the US into conflict.
The Trump administration had also previously indicated a willingness to negotiate with Iran.Following a recent E3 announcement on sanctions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran – in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue,” adding that the “snapback” mechanism does not preclude diplomacy but rather ”enhances it.”
A round of nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials had been scheduled for June 15, but was indefinitely postponed following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran two days prior.
A key point of contention remains Iran’s right to enrich uranium. Washington insists on preventing domestic enrichment, while Iran maintains that this right is non-negotiable, pointing to the provisions of the 2015 JCPOA which allows for low-level enrichment under strict international monitoring.
The JCPOA includes a “snapback” mechanism, allowing any party to the agreement – including the US, UK, germany, France, Russia, or China – to reinstate six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions. This mechanism is veto-proof, meaning Russia and China cannot block the restoration of sanctions. The US attempted to invoke the snapback clause in 2020, but the effort failed due to its prior withdrawal from the agreement.
