While hardliners enthusiastically highlight Iran’s “manifold accomplishments” achieved without the JCPoA and the FATF, a broader spectrum of international stakeholders, ranging from the Japanese ambassador in Iran to BRICS leaders, emphasize the imperative of revitalizing and preserving the JCPoA.
The ongoing dispute between reformist and principlist commentators regarding the 2015 nuclear agreement remains unresolved, while ultra-hardliners persist in labeling it a bad deal dictated by the Americans. However, as Iran endeavors to forge new avenues in expanding relations with foreign nations and international entities, the impediment posed by sanctions, hindering Iran’s ability to reap the benefits of such engagements, becomes apparent. Moreover, there is mounting global pressure for the revival of the JCPoA, which the hardliners deny as “pressure on Iran.” Javan, for example, displayed evident annoyance in response to a reformist outlet’s interpretation of the recent emphasis by the Chinese foreign minister on the comprehensive and effective implementation of the JCPoA as a “clear message to Iran.” The outlet also seemed to react with sensitivity to any insinuation that the Chinese authorities had “mandated” Iran to revive the JCPoA (Daily Summary of 22 August 2023: “Voices Within and Without: JCPoA Good, Sanctions Bad”). According to Javan, given that Iran had honored its obligations under the agreement, the Chinese foreign minister was essentially urging the country that had reneged on its commitments—namely, the U.S.—to fulfill the implementation of the JCPoA. The Japanese ambassador in Tehran, however, had a clear message for Iran which would be challenging for hardline outlets to justify in their own terms. In an interview with the conservative outlet Khorasan, Ikawa Kazutoshi advised Iran to collaborate with the IAEA to clear up any ambiguity regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Kazutoshi emphasized that in issues pertaining to nonproliferation, earning global trust necessitates actions that go beyond mere words. While he expressed Japan’s readiness to contribute to resolving tensions between Tehran and Washington, he underscored that the revival of the JCPoA is essential for the enhancement of trade relations between Iran and Japan. When asked to assign blame for the current state of the JCPoA, the ambassador refrained from targeting any specific party, yet reiterated that upholding the collaborative agreement between Tehran and the IAEA could serve as a pivotal step in addressing the challenges within the JCPoA. According to foreign outlets, Saudi officials, too, have privately pointed out that significant direct investment and trade is unlikely as long as the U.S. sanctions regime remains in place.
Meanwhile, as pro-administration outlets celebrate the BRICS invitation to Iran for “formal membership” without the JCPoA and FATF, BRICS countries stressed in their final declaration the importance of preserving the JCPoA and UNSCR 2231 to international non-proliferation. Reformist outlets close to the private sector argue that for Iran to derive maximum benefits from the capacities of BRICS, it is imperative to address issues linked to sanctions and the FATF.
