Iran Press/ Europe: Jean-Yves Le Drian and Rafael Grossi discussed the diplomatic efforts of France and its partners to find a solution over the return of Washington to its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
They also discussed the continuation of IAEA monitoring over Iran's nuclear activities.
In an interview with Grossi, he praised the Agency's impartial and professional action and stressed his full support for the Agency's Director-General's efforts to continue his work and activities in verifying Iran's nuclear activities.
A statement from the French Foreign Ministry said that Jean-Yves Le Drian, following a joint statement with his German and British counterparts on February 23, once again expressed grave concern over Iran's suspension of the Additional Protocol.
Earlier on Tuesday, the UK, France and Germany, European sides of JCPOA, issued a statement expressing concern over Iran's decision to suspend the Additional Protocol.
Following the unilateral and illegal withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA on (May 8, 2018), Iran tried to maintain the nuclear agreement, provided that the other parties to the agreement complied with their commitments, but the Europeans did not succeed in the practical measures to maintain the agreement.
In this regard, on May 8, 2019, on the anniversary of the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that Iran will gradually reduce its JCPOA obligations under Articles 26 and 36 of this agreement to balance its obligations with the received rights.
On February 23, the Islamic Republic of Iran suspended its voluntary actions under the JCPOA within the framework of “Strategic Action Plan to Lift Sanctions and Protect Iranian Nation’s Interests”.
According to paragraphs 26 and 36 of the JCPOA, Iran has the right to suspend its obligations, in whole or in part, if the other party fails to comply with its obligations. 219
