Iran Holds ’Last Chance’ Talks With EU to Save JCPOA

By Staff, Agencies

Iran said it will take the second step in reducing its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal more “firmly” if a European payment system designed to bypass sanctions proves to be "superficial".

Relatively, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Friday's meeting in Vienna between the remaining signatories of the nuclear deal is the "last chance" to save the accord after the US exit last year.

Iran demands "practical" steps be taken on operationalizing the planned European trade mechanism, or INSTEX, when senior officials meet in the Austrian capital with the aim of saving the nuclear accord.

"I believe this meeting could be the last opportunity for the remaining signatories of the JCPOA to convene and seek how they can implement their commitments toward Iran," said Mousavi.

European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA] are facing a two-month ultimatum to help Iran navigate US sanctions or see Tehran take the second step of reducing its commitments on July 7.

In early May, Tehran suspended limits on its production of enriched uranium and heavy water, moves that did not technically violate the deal but signaled that its patience was wearing thin.

Last week, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said Iran will surpass the uranium stockpile limit set under the nuclear deal from June 27.