Successful reimplementation of JCPOA still possible:
A Professor at the University of Minnesota has said that The United States does not want to be seen as giving into Iran's demands, and it is hesitant to move forward without obtaining concessions from Iran, which Iran is not willing to give.
the Professor at the University of Minnesota, William O. Beeman said in an exclusive interview with ILNA that he is still hopeful that JCPOA revival can be done. "All sides were very close to a successful reimplementation of the agreement, and I believe it can still be done."
Q. What is your opinion about the interruption in the negotiations?
A.There are two reasons. The Biden administration is under attack by Republicans, and they are afraid to do anything that shows concessions toward Iran. That means not giving in to any Iranian demands, such as removing the IRGC from the U.S . terrorist list.
The second is Russia, who is insisting that if the JCPOA is renewed that there be no restrictions on Russian economic dealings with Iran. Since the United States is sanctioning Russia over the Ukraine war, this is problematic. Russia is a signatory to the JCPOA and insists on this guarantee, and if the United States agrees, it would look as if Biden is making concessions to Russia, which will be unacceptable to the American public.
Q. Is the reason for this delay in the requests of Iran or the delay of the United States?
A. Both. The United States does not want to be seen as giving into Iran's demands, and it is hesitant to move forward without obtaining concessions from Iran, which Iran is not willing to give.
Q.Will we see the resumption of negotiations and the revival of the nuclear deal?
A. I am still hopeful that it can be done. All sides were very close to a successful reimplementation of the agreement, and I believe it can still be done. These international negotiations, often are resolved at the last minute.
Q.What is your advice to the participating members of the Vienna talks?
A. Move forward. Be bold, and exert pressure on the United States and Russia to agree to the deal. The other European nations and China have been very weak in these negotiations, and the United States is not even present, so much more leadership is needed from the Europeans (and China)
Q.Has the Russia-Ukraine war affected the talks?
A. Yes. as I stated above, Russia insists that there be no curtailment or restrictions on its current dealings with Iran (no sanctions enforcement), land this is holding up the talks.
Q.In the end, is agreement still possible?
A. It is possible, but all sides have to really desire that it be concluded, and that means that no one gets everything they want. Compromise is the essence of the agreement.