In a drastic step that could ultimately lead to the Iran nuclear deal’s collapse, the UK, France and Germany said on Tuesday said they had “no choice” but to trigger a dispute resolution mechanism of the 2015 JCPOA, after Iran said it would ignore limitations on uranium enrichment and centrifuge research.
The three countries, known as the E3, said in a joint statement: “We do not accept the argument that Iran is entitled to reduce compliance with the JCPOA. Contrary to its statements, Iran has never triggered the JCPOA Dispute Resolution Mechanism and has no legal grounds to cease implementing the provisions of the agreement”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week backed an alternative deal with Iran, negotiated by US President Donald Trump. Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, he said: “The problem with the JCPOA – this is the crucial thing, it’s why there is this tension – the problem with the agreement is that from the American perspective it’s a flawed agreement, it expires, plus it was negotiated by President Obama”.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the House of Commons: “The UK, France and Germany will remain committed to the deal and will approach the DRM [dispute resolution mechanism] in good faith, striving to resolve the dispute and bring Iran back into full compliance with its JCPOA obligations”, but that did not preclude looking at a broader initiative to address the UK’s concerns.
