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TEHRAN, IRAN – In response to widespread Western diplomatic pressure, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning to international negotiators involved in ongoing talks to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The development coincides with the commemoration of Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, by millions of Iranian citizens who converged in a display of unity and defiance in the face of mounting external threats.
Addressing the situation, Foreign Minister Araghchi made it clear that neither Iran’s proud people nor its brave armed forces would be intimidated by Western threats aimed at sabotaging the ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Millions of proud Iranians rallied in unity to honor Grand Ayatollah Khamenei and his legacy,” Araghchi stated. “Neither them nor our Brave Armed Forces are moved by any threats.”
His statement appears to be a direct response to recent comments from senior U.S. officials, who have repeatedly expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and hinted at the possibility of taking more aggressive action if negotiations on a new deal fail to yield satisfactory results.
One of the issues at the heart of the current stalemate lies within the terms of last year’s agreement on reviving the JCPOA, known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). According to Article 13 of the MoU, the final deal will not be reached while external threats continue. Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to this agreement, stating, “Para 13 of the MoU is clear: Negotiations on a final Deal will not commence if threats continue – Honor your signature.”
The MoU was signed in July 2021 by European Union High Representative Josep Borrell and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani in a bid to salvage the JCPOA. The agreement laid out the principles that would guide the negotiations towards a renewed nuclear deal. However, negotiations have stalled in recent months due to disagreements over key issues, including the lifting of sanctions and a verification mechanism for Tehran’s nuclear activities.
The Iranian Foreign Minister’s statement is likely to increase tensions with Western powers, which have been trying to apply more pressure on Iran through a combination of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Meanwhile, millions of Iranians have flocked to the streets to pay tribute to Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, with many using the opportunity to express their support for Iran’s right to develop its nuclear capabilities and defend itself against external aggression.