Vienna: Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, has emphasized that there is no alternative to the JCPOA, urging for genuine diplomacy rather than 'microphone diplomacy.'

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ulyanov, in an interview with the Russian daily newspaper Izvestia on Monday, discussed the current status of the JCPOA and the recent developments related to it. He highlighted that intensive negotiations took place in Vienna from 2021 to 2022 aiming to revive the JCPOA, reaching a critical final stage before being abruptly halted by Western parties.

Ulyanov stressed that if the JCPOA had been implemented, Iran's nuclear program would have reverted to its original parameters, allowing for the lifting of sanctions, a scenario that ultimately failed to materialize. He noted that the JCPOA is currently in a semi-suspended state, with the expiration date of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 set for October 2025, reiterating the absence of alternatives to the JCPOA.

He indicated that while discussions about a revised agreement are likely, any new negotiations would fundamentally rely on the JCPOA as the foundation. Addressing reports from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concerning Iran's nuclear activities, Ulyanov acknowledged the concerning situation but advised against excessive worry, indicating Iran's compliance with IAEA safeguards and its openness to inspections.

Ulyanov mentioned the challenges posed by Western parties' stances and anti-Iran resolutions, which have impeded progress. He observed that Iran's recent increase in its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent is a reaction to an anti-Iran resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.

The diplomat emphasized the critical need for effective communication among the main parties, advocating for a transition from 'microphone diplomacy' to genuine diplomacy. He warned that the JCPOA's current ambiguous state risks escalating uncontrollable tensions, underscoring that the optimal resolution involves bringing key players back to the negotiating table. He also urged the new U.S. administration to clarify its positions and demonstrate a willingness to engage in negotiations.