Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, has emphasized that there is no alternative to the JCPOA, urging for genuine diplomacy rather than “microphone diplomacy.”
In an interview with the Russian daily newspaper Izvestia on Monday, Ulyanov discussed the current status of the JCPOA and the recent developments related to it.
He said that intensive negotiations took place in Vienna from 2021 to 2022 to revive the JCPOA and reached a critical final stage. However, the Western parties abruptly halted the negotiations.
Ulyanov emphasized that if the deal had been implemented, Iran’s nuclear program would have reverted to the original parameters outlined in the JCPOA, and sanctions would have been lifted, but this outcome did not materialize.
The Russian diplomat noted that after three years, the situation has evolved, and the JCPOA is currently in a state of semi-suspension, adding that the expiration date of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 is set for October 2025 and emphasized that there is no alternative to the JCPOA.
According to him, discussions about a revised agreement are likely, but the JCPOA will serve as the foundation for any new negotiations.
Regarding the reports from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Iran’s nuclear activities, he said that while these reports present a concerning situation, there is no need for excessive worry.
Ulyanov emphasized that Iran is adequately fulfilling its safeguards agreement with the IAEA and has undergone a significant number of inspections.
He also pointed out that both Iran and the IAEA are eager to continue their dialogue and enhance cooperation.
However, challenges, including the stances of Western parties and anti-Iran resolutions, have hindered this process.
He addressed the recent increase in Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, viewing it as a response to the anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.
He pointed out that the core issue is the inability of the main parties to communicate effectively and urged a shift from “microphone diplomacy” to genuine diplomacy.
Ulyanov cautioned that the current ambiguous state of the JCPOA poses a risk of escalating uncontrollable tensions, emphasizing that the best solution would be to bring the key players back to the negotiating table. Additionally, he insisted that the new U.S. administration must clarify its positions and demonstrate its willingness to engage in negotiations.
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