Iran – Q&A from the press briefing (06 Mar. 2020)

Q. You triggered the Iranian nuclear agreement’s dispute resolution mechanism in early January. Since November, enriched uranium stockpiles have tripled, and the IAEA separately accused Iran of not responding to a certain number of questions in connection with the possibility of undeclared nuclear material and activities, and of refusing access to two sites. Do you believe Iran is prepared to resolve the disputes it has with you?

A. As the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in its quarterly report, issued on March 3, Iran is continuing to implement measures counter to the JCPoA, particularly with respect to the accumulation of low-enriched uranium as well as research and development.

These actions by Iran have serious consequences in terms of proliferation. That is why France, along with its E3 partners, triggered the JCPoA’s dispute resolution mechanism on January 14, to open a space for dialogue, in line with the agreement, in order to find a solution that would make it possible to preserve that agreement. Discussions were initiated and the dispute examination timeline was extended on January 24 following an agreement among the participants. Our aim remains Iran’s total return to compliance with the commitments set forth in the JCPoA.

As President Macron emphasized on March 3, France urgently calls on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA as it carries out its mission to verify Iran’s nuclear obligations. France supports the Agency’s impartial, professional work, as the minister assured its director general, Rafael Grossi, during his visit to France on March 3.