Latest actions by U.S. grossly violate Iran nuclear deal - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW. May 28 (Interfax) - Moscow has condemned Washington's decision to terminate sanctions waivers in relation to Iran, as this move grossly violates UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"The decision of the United States to stop actions stipulated in regard to several projects under the nuclear deal, meaning exemptions from American unilateral sanctions, is another manifestation of the U.S. line toward a gross violation of the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] on settlement around the Iranian nuclear program and consequently, as has been said before, of UN Security Council Resolution 2231," Zakharova said at a press briefing.
"We certainly condemn this move. The global community has long called on Washington to return to meeting its obligations under these documents. In the meantime, we note an unrelieved animosity toward Iran on the part of the U.S. political establishment. This animosity outweighs both legal responsibility to partners and the care of its own reputation in the world as a country deemed capable of meeting its commitments. We also point out the need to strengthen the UN Security Council's authority," she said.
The U.S. move is aimed at derailing the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, she said, emphasizing that by its actions, the U.S. obstructs any complete implementation of the JCPOA's nuclear component.
"The question which arises from here is the following: Are we right in thinking that now Washington wants Iran to independently complete the construction of, for instance, the reactor in Arak? Very recently, such a prospect, by contrast, would scare the U.S. side. [...] From a practical standpoint, a removal of the so-called waivers may slow down but never stop the implementation of those important reconfiguration projects, which constitute the foundation of the 2015 agreements," she said.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier that the U.S. will end all exemptions to its sanctions on Iranian nuclear projects related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Foreign partners have 60 days to cease their relevant activity in Iran.
The waiver for unit 1 of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant project will be extended for three months.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Christopher Ford said on Thursday that right now, the United States has nothing against one nuclear reactor operating in Bushehr but will be reviewing its decision every 90 days.
These exemptions do not apply to the construction of any additional reactors, he said. "One is more than enough. Iran does not even need this one, but it is existing. We want to make sure that it remains safe and causes no problem. But in 90 days, we will look at all facts that will take place. And then, we'll make our decision," Ford said.