Nuclear deal discussed as Coveney meets with President Hassan Rouhani in Iran

Updated 1 hour ago

@HassanRoui in a meeting with @simoncoveney Here in Tehran on Sunday he referred to the history of Ireland’s membership in the UNSC and its impartial approach, saying that the UNSC should oppose the former US administration for its unfounded violation of the resolution. pic.twitter.com/bL0zgkwndR

– IranGov.ir (@Iran_GOV) March 7, 2021

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has met with President Hassan Rouhani in Iran.

Speaking after the meeting, Coveney said: “The meeting went very well. I outlined the opportunity now to re-commit to the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), but emphasized the need to be willing to engage with the new US administration in the necessary steps. ”

Coveney will also meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who on Friday night stated that he will soon present Iran’s “constructive and concrete” plan of action regarding its nuclear program.

The visit comes as the United States said on Thursday it expected Iran to “engage” in diplomacy after European allies, including France, Germany and Britain, abandoned a plan to censor Tehran in the nuclear watchdog of the UN.

France, Britain and Germany had planned to come up with a resolution that would criticize Tehran’s level of compliance with the inspections, but abandoned the measure amid efforts by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to reach a compromise with Iran.

The move came after Iran said the time was not right for a meeting offered with the United States under the auspices of the EU to salvage the 2015 denuclearization deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran has insisted that it will not fully comply again until the United States lifts the sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that the United States would ease sanctions as part of Iran’s return to the deal.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs @simoncoveney met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran this morning as Ireland at the @TO Security Council as facilitator of the Iranian nuclear agreement. The goal is for all parties to fully commit to the agreement. 🇮🇪🇺🇳 pic.twitter.com/RPWBJtY2x7

– Chris Donoghue (@chrisrdonoghue) March 7, 2021

As part of the UN Security Council membership this year, Ireland has been named a Facilitator of Resolution 2231, which sets out the Council’s commitment to the Iranian nuclear deal.

“Ireland is a strong supporter of the JCPOA. In our role as facilitator, Ireland wishes to maintain a close dialogue with all actors and to encourage all parties to return to full compliance with the agreement, ”said Coveney before the visit.

“The visit will also be a valuable opportunity to discuss the JCPOA, along with other key issues in the Middle East, many of which are on the Security Council’s agenda.”

The minister added: “This visit also comes at an important moment in our bilateral relationship, following the government’s decision this week to appoint a Chargé d’Affaires in Tehran and work towards the re-establishment of an Irish Embassy in Tehran. by 2023 “.

With reports from © AFP 2021