Reply of the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran

to the statement by the USA

Before the First Committee, UNGA 76

New York, 18 October 2021

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chair, 

I would like to exercise my right of reply against the unacceptable statements made by some delegations including the representative of the United States against Iran. 

The JCPOA has been a comprehensive plan of action carefully negotiated and concluded between Iran and E3/Eu+3 as a final solution for the artificial crisis created over Iran's peaceful nuclear program. The JCPOA’s unanimous endorsement as an inseparable part of UNSC Resolution 2231 is a multi-party agreement based on reciprocity. Its scope, provisions, and timeframes are based on a delicate, negotiated and multilaterally accepted balance that cannot be altered, renegotiated or widened.

We are aware of the fact that the JCPOA is not, and was never intended to be, a catch-all agreement that resolves every issue of contention. By all accounts, the deal was working exactly as intended until Trump’s withdrawal. Iran remained in full compliance with its commitments even a year following the US’ exit. But in response to the reimposition of US sanctions, Iran had to take measures, time and again, consistent with the provisions of the JCPOA, including paragraphs 26 and 36 which allow Iran to do so. 

It is regrettable that the officials of the current US Administration, while having criticized Trump for his maximal pressure, in practice, have continued to impose those sanctions and have shown no readiness to lift them while they insist that Iran should fulfill its commitments first. 

The US Administration must realize that the gambit to use sanctions to leverage further Iranian concessions did not work under Trump and will not work under Biden so the best way is not to use sanctions as a leverage against Iran in the course of nuclear talks and rather they should be lifted all and immediately.

It is up to the JCPOA’s other participants as well as the US to ensure that Iran effectively enjoys the benefits from its implementation and the deal is not collapsing with the US’ unacceptable approach. 

Despite all challenges, Iran has continued its constructive cooperation and technical engagement with the IAEA. Despite all allegations against Iran, we are fulfilling our Safeguard Agreement with the IAEA as the mere instrument that legally applies to Iran’s nuclear program. 

I thank you!