Iran defends JCPOA rights, exposes E3's falsities

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
29 Aug 2025 14:18

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi affirms Iran’s lawful actions under the JCPOA, urging the UN to reject political pressure and respect Resolution 2231’s timeline.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati during their meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, October 4, 2024. (AP)

Iran has strongly rejected claims by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231, stressing that its measures have been fully lawful, proportionate, and consistent with international agreements.

In a letter to the United Nations, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi denounced the E3’s assertions in their August 8, 2025, correspondence as factually inaccurate and politically driven. The letter, he wrote, constitutes "yet another attempt to lay the groundwork for two courses of action that are both unjustified and set dangerous precedents in undermining credibility and integrity of the UNSC and its Resolutions."

Araghchi explained that Iran’s activation of the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) on 10 May 2018 was legitimate and formally acknowledged, with subsequent Joint Commission meetings at political and ministerial levels in May and July 2018.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran took remedial measures in a gradual and proportionate manner, in full conformity with the relevant procedures and rights provided under the JCPOA,” Araghchi stressed.

He added that the E3’s claim that Iran activated the DRM only in July 2020 misrepresents the timeline and disregards earlier formal communications and meetings. “The order of DRM activation matters..... the measures taken pursuant to Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA cannot justify reciprocal countermeasures by other parties,” he emphasized, underlining the legal basis of Iran’s actions.

Exposing E3’s flawed claims

The letter further rejected the E3’s assertion that DRM activation requires consensus among JCPOA participants. By that logic, Araghchi argued, any attempt by the E3 to invoke DRM or the so-called “snapback” mechanism would be invalid.

The August 27 letter states that the E3’s attempt on 14 January 2020 to trigger snapback, following Iran’s lawful remedial measures, was “misleading, irrelevant, and inconsistent with the JCPOA framework.”

Araghchi insisted that Iran’s measures were intended to preserve the deal by encouraging compliance rather than undermining it.

"Unlike the E3’s bad-faith conduct, Iran’s measures, taken in full conformity with its rights under Paragraphs 26 and 36, were intended to preserve the deal by compelling compliance, not to undermine it. Iran provided ample notice, engaged in good faith through multiple Joint Commission meetings, calibrated its actions to allow for reversibility, and maintained diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring full implementation of the JCPOA by all parties," he said.

UNSC Resolution 2231 must expire as scheduled

Iran also warned against attempts to extend or manipulate UNSC Resolution 2231, stressing that any deviation from its agreed timeline would set a dangerous precedent. Araghchi urged the Security Council to allow the resolution to expire as intended in order to foster a more constructive diplomatic climate free from coercion and threats.

Despite the disputes, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue. Araghchi stated that Tehran remains open to negotiations on a new agreement that respects its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) while addressing mutual concerns, particularly "the unjust sanctions that have targeted the well-being and prosperity of the Iranian people."

Furthermore, Iran called on UN member states to reject political manipulation and uphold international law, stressing that “the path forward lies in mutual respect, not coercion.”

In short, Araghchi’s letter underscores Iran’s stance as a responsible international actor, defending its rights under the JCPOA and UNSC resolutions while challenging what it sees as the E3’s misrepresentations and politically motivated pressure. Tehran maintains that its actions remain consistent with international law and the principles of diplomacy.