JCPOA: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell

July 17, 2020

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

On 3 July, I received a letter from the Foreign Minister of Iran referring Iran’s concerns regarding implementation issues by France, Germany and the United Kingdom under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to the Joint Commission for resolution, triggering the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, as set out in paragraph 36 of the Agreement.

In light of travel restrictions due to COVID 19 pandemic, it has not been possible so far to convene a regular meeting of the Joint commission of the JCPOA. We have subsequently undertaken extensive consultations. All JCPOA participants reconfirmed their determination to preserve the agreement which is in the interest of all.

Notwithstanding differences on modalities, there is agreement that more time is needed due to the complexity of the issues involved. The timeline is therefore extended.

The next meeting of the Joint Commission will be scheduled as soon as travel conditions allow. It will review progress of ongoing discussions covering both concerns regarding nuclear implementation, as well as the wider impacts of the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the re-imposition of sanctions by it, concerning which all JCPOA participants have expressed regret.