On the side-lines of the 2019 Moscow Non-Proliferation Conference, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an exclusive interview with Sputnik, spoke about how the forthcoming US presidential election could affect the JCPOA.
The deputy minister explained under what conditions the US would return to the Iranian deal, as well as when Iran would return to the uranium enrichment levels that existed before the concluded deal, and what European countries should do to implement the JCPOA.
Sputnik: The US presidential election will be held next year. Some senators and presidential candidates favor a return of the US to the JCPOA. What impact do you believe the US presidential election will have on the Iran nuclear deal?
Araghchi: The US elections will not affect our program in any way.
Sputnik: Under what circumstances do you see the possibility of the United States returning to the JCPOA? What are the conditions needed in the US to return to the agreement?
Araghchi: They must again lift all sanctions (against Iran) that they have imposed to this day.
Sputnik: When will Iran return to the uranium enrichment levels that existed before the JCPOA?
Araghchi: We will be taking action depending on the evolving situation. It is impossible to speak now of any decisions.
Sputnik: What concrete steps do you expect from Europe in order to return to implementing the deal?
Araghchi: Europe must ensure Iran's interests, the most important of which are Iran's ability to export oil as well as receive through banks payments for oil sales.