TEHRAN(Bazaar) – Tariq Raouf, former Director General of the Atomic Energy Agency says Borrell and the EU have a weak hand vis-a-vis the US and Iran, they are desperate to find a role.
“Now too late to revive JCPOA along July 2015 lines,” Rauf told Bazaar news agency.
Following is the text of the Bazaar interview with Tariq Raouf.
Q: In the midst of the Gaza war, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State announced that withdrawing from the JCPOA was a mistake because it had resolved one of the security issues with Iran. What is your assessment of his words at this time?
A: Belatedly the Biden team is beginning to recognize its failure to reenter the JCPOA when he took office in January 2021. As the Middle East is blowing up with war crimes by Israel and the risk of Hezbollah involvement, the US now understands the dangers in the region were the conflict to bring in Iran.
Q: Josep Burrell, the head of foreign policy of the European Union, also announced after the Gaza war, said “The time for negotiations to revive the JCPOA is coming to an end and it is important to resume these negotiations. I understand how important these negotiations are for the region, especially Saudi Arabia.” How do you evaluate his words? Does it mean an attempt to immediately resume negotiations?
A: Borrell and the EU have a weak hand vis-a-vis the US and Iran, they are desperate to find a role. China bridged differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is involved in mediating the current crisis. Leaving no role for the EU which is consumed by the Ukraine war. Now too late to revive JCPOA along July 2015 lines.
Q: Burrell also said “Although the countries of the region and Saudi Arabia are not directly at the negotiating table, their concerns will be taken into consideration.” It seems that this is a new issue. Before this, the Arab countries demanded direct participation in the negotiations, which was met with opposition. Has something new happened? Doesn't this make the negotiation process more difficult?
A: Yes, bringing Saudis and Emirates to the table complicates an already complex matter. The EU is trying to placate the Saudis who are embarking on a nuclear power reactor programme and also announced intention to do enrichment.
Q: After the Gaza war, the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry also said that “The subject of the negotiations is open within the defined framework and within the framework of the Sultan of Oman's initiative. Naturally, the situation and issue of Palestine, which has displaced regional and international priorities, can overshadow some issues or create priority and delay.” What is your assessment of these words?
A: I think nuclear issues should be delinked from political and regional issues.
Q: According to the words of the officials of both sides of JCPOA, is it possible to start negotiations in the next few months?
A: I doubt it. Other than to help sort remaining safeguards issues with the IAEA, resume Iran oil sales etc.
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