Thu Oct 17 23:22:18 UTC 2024: ## Iran: Nuclear Deal Revival Hinges on Sanctions Relief, Says Official
**BAKU, Azerbaijan** – Iran has reiterated its stance on the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the international agreement concerning its nuclear program, stating that lifting sanctions is a prerequisite for any progress. Behrouz Kamalvandi, the official representative of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told local media that Iran’s strategic action plan, approved by the Iranian parliament, prioritizes the removal of sanctions.
“Iran’s goal is to lift the sanctions imposed on the country,” Kamalvandi said. “If other parties determine the direction by fulfilling their obligations, Iran is also ready to move in that direction.”
His statement comes amidst ongoing efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, Rafael Grossi, to revive the JCPOA. The IAEA is seeking to define its role in the process, which has been complicated by Iran’s suspension of certain inspections following the US withdrawal from the deal in 2018.
“There are two issues in those discussions,” Kamalvandi clarified. “One issue is the commitments of the opposite sides, the lifting of sanctions, and the second issue is Iran’s fulfillment of its commitments.”
He further addressed allegations of Iran’s nuclear evasion, calling them politically motivated. “Some groups claim that Iran has nuclear evasion. However, if these claims are addressed technically and properly, they will soon be resolved. The unresolved nature of the claims makes it clear that the claims are political.”
The JCPOA, implemented in 2016, aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. Following the US withdrawal and reimposition of sanctions, Iran took steps to reduce its cooperation with the IAEA, impacting monitoring capabilities.
Iran’s position highlights the continued stalemate in reviving the JCPOA, with the lifting of sanctions remaining a central point of contention.
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