Ulyanov Reveals: West Abandoned JCPOA Revival Talks in 2022!

Mikhail Ulyanov, a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has been instrumental in the ongoing negotiations to restore this pivotal nuclear agreement. As Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, Ulyanov has actively participated in multiple rounds of negotiations aimed at revitalizing the JCPOA after the United States withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

In a recent interview with the Tehran Times, Ulyanov highlighted that the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal—namely Iran, Russia, China, France, Germany, and Britain—were on the brink of reaching an agreement to revive the pact before European nations coordinated with Washington to exit the discussions in 2022. Ulyanov emphasized that the revival of the JCPOA hinges significantly on the actions of the United States, rather than the Europeans, who he believes are not the primary decision-makers in this context.

While Ulyanov refrained from detailing the reasons behind the West’s abrupt withdrawal from negotiations, he pointed out that this departure coincided with a period of domestic unrest and protests in Iran.

Below is the complete text of Ulyanov’s interview with the Tehran Times:

What is the current status of negotiations on the JCPOA?

The JCPOA negotiations halted in 2022, just as they were nearing completion. Only a few provisions remained unresolved. Western nations, including the United States, Germany, France, and the UK, chose to abandon the finalization of the agreement, while Russia, Iran, and China were prepared to proceed.

Recently, there have been indications of informal dialogue resuming between Iranian representatives and political directors from Germany, France, and the UK, as well as representatives of the European External Action Service, who previously coordinated JCPOA negotiations. However, these discussions are preliminary and do not reflect formal negotiations. It is evident that European countries are not in a position to lead this process.

Do you think Russia has played a role in facilitating a successful outcome?

During the 2021–2022 negotiations aimed at restoring the JCPOA, Russia played a significant role. We made extensive efforts to achieve a positive outcome. Based on feedback, all participants—including Iran, China, the E3, the U.S., and the EU—acknowledged Russia’s contributions positively. We were able to propose several compromise solutions that received unanimous support and helped advance the negotiations.

What are the key challenges remaining in reviving the Iran nuclear deal?

The foremost challenge is the unwillingness of Western countries to resume negotiations at this time. Many Western nations have become entangled in their political agendas, failing to consider the legitimate requests and proposals from Iran. They often resort to politicizing the issue and engage in actions that are not only provocative but completely irrelevant to the negotiations. A clear example of this behavior is their actions at the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, which included politically charged anti-Iran resolutions.

What are the implications of the JCPOA for regional security and stability?

The JCPOA had a positive impact on regional security and stability from 2015 to 2018, prior to the U.S. withdrawal. A timely and full resumption of the JCPOA could indeed contribute to restoring stability in the region.

Are there any potential avenues for future cooperation on the issue?

Currently, no clear answers exist regarding future cooperation. The U.S. position remains ambiguous, particularly concerning whether it will recognize that its withdrawal from the JCPOA and the imposition of a ‘maximum pressure’ campaign produced outcomes contrary to its expectations. It is uncertain if the White House is prepared to pursue a political solution that balances interests, which is essential for achieving positive results. We may anticipate greater clarity within the next 2-3 months. Additionally, it is crucial to acknowledge that October 18, 2025, marks the expiration date for the JCPOA and the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 timelines.

The implications of Ulyanov’s insights reflect the complex dynamics at play in international relations concerning the JCPOA. The ongoing negotiations and the political landscape surrounding them remain subjects of keen interest for global observers.

In conclusion, the future of the JCPOA and its potential revival depends heavily on diplomatic engagements and the willingness of the involved parties to navigate their political agendas towards a common goal. The next few months will be critical in determining whether a renewed commitment to the JCPOA can be forged, bringing stability to both Iran and the broader region.