The Iran nuclear deal requires that its partners take action to boost the country’s economy, but European companies remain fearful of exposing themselves to US sanctions, experts told AFP.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday sent a letter to the deal’s other signatories, saying it had decided to suspend commitments it made under the deal, some immediately and some after 60 days, if no progress was made on its economy.
Leaders of China, France, Germany, Britain and Russia all received a letter, but it is of particular relevance to the European countries who have so far proved unable to deliver the promised economic advantages.
European powers said they still backed the nuclear deal with Iran, but rejected any “ultimatums” from Tehran to keep it alive.
“We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran’s compliance on the basis of Iran’s performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments” under a 2015 deal, the EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany said in a statement.
In their statement, the Europeans underlined “our own firm commitments under the agreement including as regards sanctions-lifting for the benefit of the Iranian people” but criticized the US sanctions.
“In this regard, we regret the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States following their withdrawal from the JCPoA,” — Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — as the nuclear deal is known.