JCPOA, the Best Possible Agreement under Present Conditions

The success of the nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the P5+1 within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under the competent leadership of Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif opened a new chapter in Iran’s diplomacy which deserves appreciation. On this basis, the signatories of this statement, as former diplomatic officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran with years of diplomatic experience, would like to mention the following points:

1-Our approach towards the JCPOA is based on a responsible and expert outlook to review all dimensions of an agreement which has been reached between several world powers and an influential and important regional power. Naturally, this agreement does not include all of Iran’s or the other side’s demands, but it is the best possible agreement under the present conditions. This agreement has achieved the main demand of the Iranian people which is the guarantee of nuclear capacities and continuation of research and development and its acceptance by the world powers parallel with the lifting of unjust imposed sanctions and prepared the ground for Iran’s promotion in the region and the world. The JCPOA is one of Iran’s achievements.

2-What led to the success of the JCPOA was the use of all elements of the national power of the country including the resistance of the great people of Iran, scientific achievements, capabilities of the armed forces and the political and diplomatic capabilities of the country. The guidelines of the Supreme Leader, the visionary policies of the President and the efficient diplomacy of Iran’s negotiating team and their innovative methods in the strategies and tactics of negotiations helped in the success of these negotiations.

3-No similar case can be found in the history of international relations where the major world powers would sit and negotiate with a regional power for a long period of time, the result of which would not be the imposition of the will of one side but rather a give and take from an equal position. Therefore the JCPOA could bring up the hope of a new period in the international system wherein the usage of threat and sanctions and force to impose the will of the powerful countries on the other international players is reduced.

4- Through the promotion of Iran’s status in international relations, the JCPOA has increased the strategic options of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the region and the world. The main effects of this development and post-agreement opportunities particularly Iran’s growing regional role will be felt more in the future. But the atmosphere which is created before the implementation of the JCPOA clearly indicates the existence of such an achievement and must be appreciated and well managed through taking proper measures and political and diplomatic initiatives.

5-The finalization of the legal process and implementation of the JCPOA by the negotiating parties is not certain and the people of Iran and our active and effective diplomacy carefully monitor these developments and have prepared themselves for all possibilities. We hope that the efforts made by the Zionists and other enemies of Iran fail in creating obstacles in the implementation process of the JCPOA. The opponents of the JCPOA in the region must know that they will be more damaged by the continuation of instability and tension and adventurism.

6-The JCPOA is the achievement of the people, the Supreme Leader and the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and no group must consider itself the “winner” or “loser” of it. All legitimate political and social groups must have a national view towards this agreement and regard it as a success of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Meanwhile, we must be assured that the only real guarantee of JCPOA implementation is our national power which will not be achieved except through reliance on God and our national unity and solidarity and intelligence.

7-Finally, what has, hitherto, been achieved was possible only due to God’s blessings and the sacrifices of our faithful martyred scientist and that is why the fruit of “people’s resistance and steadfastness” deserves congratulations.