Germany, France and the U.K. announced yesterday that they would not lift sanctions on Iran in accordance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal by which Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program in return for the lifting of economic sanctions, and UN Security Council resolution 2131, which confirmed the JCPOA. In a joint statement, the three European allies known as E3, said they would retain their sanctions in a “direct response to Iran’s consistent and severe non-compliance” with the accord, reported the Associated Press. They claimed that Iran has violated the sanctions by developing and testing ballistic missiles and sending drones to Russia for its war on Ukraine. Therefore, they will keep the sanctions in place until Tehran “is fully compliant” with the deal, the E3 said. The sanctions, according to the agreement, are to expire on Oct. 18.
Iran, not surprisingly, denounced the decision of the E3. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said it considered it to be “an illegal measure,” and contrary to the trio’s commitments under the JCPOA and UNSC 2231, which endorsed the JCPOA. “The decision amounts to a tension-building measure, which is taken in bad faith,” read a ministry statement, reported Tasnim News. The Foreign Ministry statement rejected the allegations made by the E3—including their allegations that Iran has transferred drones to Russia, as well as, what the three call the likelihood that Tehran might provide Moscow with ballistic missiles. The Islamic Republic has roundly rejected both the allegations, citing its categorical rejection of the war, it said.
