Future of JCPOA and IAEA should be analyzed together; U.S expert
“The future of the JCPOA engages also major international actors such as UN, European Union, Russia and China,” political science professor at Tampere University Tuomo Melasuo said.
He said in an exclusive interview with ILNA news agency that just now it is very difficult to estimate why the results of the IAEA missions have not had the consideration they merit.
Tuomo Melasuo continued that the future of the JCPOA and the IAEA should be analyzed together, they are linked together. On one hand, especially IAEA’s prestige and authority depend now on the future of the JCPOA.
“Up to my understanding, the reasons are purely political. The USA does not want to allow any other player to influence its own policy. In the long run, this is very unproductive. That is why it is extremely important that the IAEA continues its works and that the other partners of the JCPOA continue to respect the 2015 agreement.”
Asking about the outcome of Rafael Grossi's trip to Iran, the U.S professor added “It is very important that Grossi visited Iran and that the visit went well. The visit shows the world that IAEA and Iran can do things together.
“Even if it is difficult to say what effect this visit has on tensions it is clear that it reinforces those responsible international actors who want to maintain the JCPOA,” he confirmed.
Tuomo Melasuo refers to activate snapback by Donald Trump administration and said “Now the USA has no right to use snapback. The JCPOA is a “total” agreement, you accept it all and you are not allowed to practice any kind of “cherry-picking”.”
“Already since rather long time the USA has not respected international treaties, their legal, political, moral, and ethical obligations. The USA should respect them first, and it’s only after we could speak about rights in her case.”
The Political analyst added “Alas, since Hiroshima, there are too many problematic developments where the USA could have chosen another path if they would be able to evolve towards decent future.”
Answering to question about didn't Iran have the right to reduce its obligations, Melasuo said that it is true that many JCPOA partner countries could have been politically and even morally, ethically more coherent and really reduce the sanctions like it was agreed in the 2015 treaty. But they did not have that courage.
“Because Iran does not need nuclear weapons, it could certainly surprise us all by saying that it will give up all her military nuclear programs and refuge to continue its development. A little bit like South-Africa and Sweden have done in the past. I know that this might not be very realistic,” he added.
He stressed “But continue to respect the JCPOA restrictions and rules would be very wise and clever for Iran. In that way, they would show the world that Iran is a respectable country and we can count on its word.”
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