Russia's envoy to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has warned that Germany is underestimating the risks of an uncontrolled escalation if talks on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program fail.
Ulyanov made the comments on Twitter after the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it saw no reason to resume the Vienna talks. The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump in 2018.
Current President Joe Biden has indicated that he is ready to resurrect the agreement. Talks between Iran, Russia, the UK, Germany, China, the US, and France have been ongoing since April 2021 in an attempt to reinstate the deal. The most recent round of consultations took place in March.
Ulyanov's comments highlight the importance of the JCPOA and the potential consequences of its failure. The agreement was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to address concerns about its nuclear program.
The talks have been an effort to get all parties back in compliance with the deal, but progress has been slow. If the talks fail, it could lead to an uncontrolled escalation of tensions, including the possibility of military action.
The risks of such an escalation are significant, as it could lead to further destabilization in the region and potentially have wider implications for global security. It is crucial that all parties continue to engage in dialogue and work towards a resolution that preserves the JCPOA and maintain stability in the region.