TEHRAN (Bazaar) –Nader Entessar, Professor Emeritus of Political Science from university of South Alabama says that it is a mistake to view Grossi as an independent player.
“On several occasions, he has used the IAEA as a lever to force Iran to follow the West's wishes in nuclear talks and related matters,” Entessar told Bazaar News Agency.
Following is the full text of the Bazaar interview with Professor Entessar:
Q: After the optimism that was created after the Sultan of Oman's visit to Iran to reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear issue (at least an agreement that does not increase tensions) with the United States, we are witnessing a setback in this regard, that Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also mentioned it recently. What is the reason for this setback?
A: The E3, the three remaining Western parties to the comatose JCPOA, have recently taken steps to further distance themselves from fulfilling their JCPOA obligations. For example, the UK has announced that it will not respect the so-called sunset clauses of the nuclear agreement once they expire, and they have taken a confrontational and hostile stance with regard to the semi-annual evaluation of the UN Security Council's Resolution 2231 on the Iran nuclear issue. Rafael Grossi has always worked in tandem with the West with regard to Iran's nuclear file and he will continue to do so in the future. As I have mentioned in my previous interviews, it is a mistake to view Grossi as an independent player.
Q: According to the published news, the issues raised between Iran and the United States include a package of topics such as Iran's regional policy, the release of American prisoners, the halt in Iran's enrichment of more than 60 percent, and Tehran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Do you think these issues in connection with each other have meaning for the parties?
A: Of course, the issues you have mentioned are interrelated, and the resolution of one may impact the resolution of the remaining issues. However, they address different concerns and priorities of each side. Thus, it may be easier not to lump them together and try to focus on one issue at a time.
Q: Rafael Grossi recently announced that Iran's cooperation with the IAEA is not what he expected. Can't these words be evaluated as a pressure lever on Iran at the current stage? Does that mean that if Iran does not comply with the issues raised in the recent negotiations with the US, the agency's leverage will be activated against it?
A: Yes. As I stated in my answer to your first question, Rafel Grossi works in tandem with the West on Iran's nuclear file. On several occasions, he has used the IAEA as a lever to force Iran to follow the West's wishes in nuclear talks and related matters.
Q: In October of this year, the sanctions against Iran's missile program will be lifted according to the JCPOA. On the other hand, European countries are trying to extend the sanctions on Iran's missile program. This action has been mentioned as the first clear legal violation of the JCPOA by Europe. What do you think this issue will have on Iran's talks with the other side?
A: Even if we assume that the JCPOA is still revivable, there is no question that it has become a tragicomedy now. At least, the United States was honest about its intentions towards the JCPOA when Donald Trump formally withdrew from this agreement in 2018. On the other hand, from the very beginning of the JCPOA, Europe's mendacious and double-edged Europe's behavior has perpetuated the viability of the JCPOA. It is now becoming clear that Europe has no intention of honoring its remaining obligations, now or in the future. I believe the Iranian side has recognized this too, but does not want to acknowledge this fact publicly so that all sides can continue to play their cat-and-mouse game.
Q: Considering the recent developments, what is your prediction of reaching an agreement, and what kind of agreement is likely?
A: I do not see any positive indications that an imminent deal is within reach. If an agreement is reached, it will be limited both in scope and time.
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