A proposal from the European Union to try and salvage the Iran nuclear deal has been backed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.
Stating that it remains to be seen whether Iran is willing and able to move forward, Blinken expressed, “It’s very consistent with something that they put forward in March that we’ve we agreed to,” in reference to the proposal.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was established in 2015, from which the US withdrew in 2018 under former President Donald Trump.
While hopes of reviving the deal are uncertain as Iran continues to breach its commitments under the JCPOA and grows its nuclear arsenal, Blinken has indicated that the US is “prepared to move forward on the basis of what’s been agreed.”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who has been facilitating the negotiations, said, “It is not a perfect agreement, but it addresses all essential elements and includes hard-won compromises by all sides.”
He added, “Decisions need to be taken now to seize this unique opportunity to succeed, and to free up the great potential of a fully implemented deal. I see no other comprehensive or effective alternative within reach.”
