"The uncertain situation with the JCPOA is fraught with the risk of uncontrolled escalation"

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) remains the starting point for new negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, told Izvestia in an interview. According to him, if necessary, the interested parties can come to a modified agreement. The diplomat called the growth of highly enriched uranium reserves in Iran uncritical, despite the IAEA reports. The permanent Representative noted that the interaction between Tehran and the agency is hampered primarily by the position of Western countries — in November 2024, they promoted an anti-Iranian resolution, undermining the previously reached agreements. About the prospects of returning to negotiations — in an exclusive interview with Mikhail Ulyanov "Izvestia".

"The JCPOA remains in a "half-dismantled" state"

— IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly noted that the format of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is no longer effective. In addition, he expressed concern about the development of Iran's nuclear program. How does Russia assess the current cooperation between Tehran and the IAEA?

— I would refrain from categorical judgments regarding the effectiveness of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This is a very sensitive issue. Let me remind you that intensive negotiations on the restoration of the nuclear deal took place in Vienna in 2021-2022. Exactly three years ago, the negotiation process successfully reached the finish line. There were all possibilities for the decision to take effect, and, accordingly, Iran's nuclear program would return to its original parameters in accordance with the 2015 agreements, and the illegitimate sanctions against Tehran would be lifted. In this case, the JCPOA would continue to play an extremely important role unconditionally. But that didn't happen. Western participants recklessly blocked the negotiation process when there were only a few steps left to complete it.

— What is the current status of the JCPOA and does it have an alternative?

— Now, three years later, the situation has certainly changed. The JCPOA remains in a "half-dismantled" state. In addition, it expires on October 18 of this year. There is nothing to replace it at the moment. Therefore, it is likely that we will now talk about some kind of modified agreement, if the interested parties agree on the need to develop it. However, in any case, the JCPOA will remain the starting point for new negotiations.

"The production of uranium enriched to 60 percent has increased"

— Do the latest reports of the IAEA Director General on the Iranian dossier cause concern?

— Indeed, the latest reports of the IAEA Director General, which were discussed on March 4 and 5 at the agency's Board of Governors, paint a rather alarming picture. However, in our opinion, there is no reason for alarmism. Nothing has happened in recent months that would give real grounds for dramatic assessments. Iran continues to faithfully implement the safeguards agreement with the IAEA and remains the most audited country.

Both Tehran and the agency's secretariat confirm their willingness to engage in dialogue and improve the quality of cooperation. However, something prevents this from happening all the time. As a rule, this is the position of the Western parties to the JCPOA. So, in November 2024, they pushed an anti-Iran resolution through the board of governors by a majority vote. As a result, the agreements that had been reached shortly before following Rafael Grossi's visit to Iran were largely undermined. In general, there is cooperation between Iran and the IAEA, although we would like to see it at a more advanced stage.

— According to Rafael Grossi, in recent months, the volume of highly enriched uranium in Iran has increased from 182 to 275 kg. How critical is such an increase in the reserves of uranium enriched to 60% from the point of view of the Russian Federation? Does Moscow see this as a threat to the nuclear nonproliferation regime?

— Yes, indeed, the production of uranium enriched to 60% has increased. I think this was Tehran's response to the anti-Iranian resolution of the Board of Governors adopted in November 2024. Such an increase in stocks is not critical, as production remains under the effective control of the agency.

Iran and the atom: US in no hurry to return to nuclear deal with Tehran

The United States is pursuing a policy of maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic

We see the threat to the nuclear nonproliferation regime not in uranium enrichment, but in the inability of the main parties involved to find common ground and move from megaphone diplomacy to genuine diplomacy.

— What are the first steps to bring the parties back to the negotiating table?

— The current uncertain situation with the JCPOA is fraught with the risk of uncontrolled escalation. Therefore, we see the best way forward in the return of the main players to the negotiating table. To do this, it is necessary, first of all, that the new US administration formulate its approaches and show willingness to participate in the negotiation process.