Iran Rejects US JCPOA Proposal Citing National Interests

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected the latest proposal from the United States regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), deeming it "unacceptable." The ministry's spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, emphasized that any proposal failing to secure Iran's national interests is unacceptable. This stance underscores Iran's commitment to its own interests and its readiness to present a counterproposal that aligns with its national priorities.

Baqaei highlighted that the U.S. proposal, conveyed through Oman on May 31, lacks the characteristics of active and bilateral negotiations. He noted that the proposal does not address the rights and interests of the Iranian nation, particularly in the fields of nuclear energy and the effective lifting of sanctions. This rejection indicates Iran's dissatisfaction with the current state of negotiations and its insistence on a more balanced and equitable approach.

The ministry's spokesperson also criticized the United States and three European countries—France, Britain, and Germany—for misusing the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) for their own political gains. Baqaei accused these countries of abusing the agency's reports to push their political agendas, which he described as a lack of seriousness in the negotiations. This criticism reflects Iran's frustration with what it perceives as Western manipulation of international institutions.

Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Baqaei reiterated that the country's enrichment activities are non-negotiable and are based on its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He emphasized that enriching uranium does not necessarily imply a weapons program and that many countries, including some U.S. allies, engage in enrichment without pursuing nuclear weapons. This stance underscores Iran's commitment to its nuclear rights and its rejection of any attempts to impose restrictions on its program.

The spokesperson also addressed the recent I.A.E.A. report, which he described as politically motivated and lacking in credibility. He stated that the report does not mention any non-compliance or deviation in Iran's nuclear program from the peaceful path. This assertion aims to counter Western claims of Iranian non-compliance and to reinforce Iran's commitment to a peaceful nuclear program.

Baqaei warned that any move by Western countries to accuse Iran of non-compliance with safeguards obligations would be met with a serious and decisive response. He also criticized the Western push for an anti-Iran resolution at the I.A.E.A.'s Board of Governors meeting, describing it as a destructive and unconstructive approach. This warning underscores Iran's readiness to take reciprocal steps in response to perceived Western aggression.

In addition to the nuclear issue, Baqaei condemned President Donald Trump's executive order banning citizens of certain countries, including Iran, from entering the U.S. He described the move as discriminatory and racist, violating fundamental principles of equality and justice. This condemnation reflects Iran's stance on human rights and its opposition to policies based on nationality, race, religion, or ethnicity.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry's rejection of the U.S. proposal and its criticism of Western actions highlight the ongoing tensions in the negotiations over the JCPOA. Iran's insistence on its national interests and its commitment to a peaceful nuclear program underscore its position in the negotiations. The ministry's warnings and condemnations reflect its readiness to take decisive steps in response to perceived Western aggression and its commitment to upholding its rights and interests.