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Madam President,

1. It is an honour to have again the opportunity to address the Council in this session on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Josep Borrell, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the JCPOA). 

2. My first expression of gratitude goes to Secretary General António Guterres and to the Secretariat for their work related to the implementation of Resolution 2231 and in particular the report prepared for today’s discussion. I also want to thank Malta as the Facilitator of Resolution 2231 and the work done to keep members informed of the current state of play.

3. I would like also to underscore the important role of the IAEA as the sole impartial and independent international organisation mandated by the Security Council to monitor and verify the implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation commitments under the JCPOA.

4. One year ago, in July 2022, intense international diplomatic efforts to restore the implementation of the JCPOA were nearing completion. In early August, the EU High Representative had been able to put forward a compromise text laying down the necessary steps for the US to return to the JCPOA and for Iran to resume the full implementation of its commitments. Regrettably, it was not possible to reach a deal at that time and since then, a conducive environment to restore the agreement has unfortunately been lacking. That compromise text is still on the table as a potential point of departure for any renewed effort to bring JCPOA back on track.

5. Since the discussion on the previous report of the UN Secretariat on the implementation of the UNSCR 2231, the IAEA documented the continuous acceleration of Iran’s nuclear programme gravely departing from its JCPOA commitments. The production rates of High Enriched Uranium still increases, reaching unprecedented levels. The stockpile of uranium at up to 60% U-235 was, as of May, 116.1 kg, which is 26.6 kg more that at the beginning of the year. Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity, in terms of number and type of centrifuges, remain incommensurable with JCPOA limits. On top of it, the cooperation with the IAEA is piecemeal, leaving the Agency with several pending questions.

6. That is why we acknowledge the Joint Statement which was concluded last March between the IAEA and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. We welcome the start of implementation of this Joint Statement, in particular the installation of surveillance cameras at one location and of monitoring equipment at two declared enrichment facilities. We urge Iran to pursue in this direction without delay restoring IAEA surveillance capabilities.

7. We continue to recognise that Iran has faced and continues facing very serious negative economic consequences following the US’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and the re-imposition of previously lifted US unilateral sanctions. The US have also imposed additional sanctions linked to the nuclear programme. On its side, the EU has lifted all its nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions since the JCPOA Implementation Day and this remains the case.

8. We reaffirm here that the restoration of the JCPOA remains the only way for Iran to reap the full benefits of the JCPOA and reach its full economic potential as it will result in a comprehensive sanctions’ lifting that will encourage greater cooperation by the entire international community with Iran.

9. The EU Council Conclusions of last December still provide the frame for EU engagement towards Iran. Through them, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to, and continued support for, the full and effective implementation of a restored JCPOA and called on all countries to support the implementation of Resolution 2231.

10. The High Representative sees no better alternative to restrict the Iranian nuclear programme and to ensure related sanctions lifting. Let me recall that the JCPOA also considerably increased the capacities of the IAEA in terms of monitoring. For instance, the Additional Protocol to Iran’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement was only made applicable under a fully implemented JCPOA. It is urgent to restore its implementation.

11. The Procurement Channel, another benefit of the JCPOA, continues to be available. It was designed as a transparency and confidence-building mechanism to give assurances that transfers of nuclear and dual-use goods and services are fully in line with Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA.

Madam President,

12. We are extremely worried about Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine including through deliveries of drones. This has not stopped and rather expanded. The EU calls on the Government of Iran to stop that military cooperation with a country that is violating every principle of the UN Charter. The EU will continue to respond to this, as necessary. As already stated, any transfer of certain combat drones to or from Iran without prior permission by the UN Security Council is in violation of Resolution 2231. 

13. Moreover, since the last meeting in this format, Iran has unveiled new ballistic missiles while Resolution 2231 calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic technology.

Madam President,

14. On the nuclear front, some perspective has opened up with the Joint Statement of last March between the IAEA and its Iranian counterpart.

15. We call on Iran to further progress in the implementation of the Joint Statement, including on cooperation with the IAEA, and to refrain from any more step away from its JCPOA commitments as a first and minimum measure.

16. We also call on all remaining parties to the JCPOA and the United States to sustain dialogue on the matter.

17. De-escalation steps on the nuclear front, if concrete and acknowledged by all parties to the agreement and the United States, will help restore trust. They could re-create an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations possibly leading ultimately to a fully effective JCPOA.

18. Drawing on the continuous support from the 27 EU countries, the High Representative continues to be in close contact with all JCPOA participants and the United States to find a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear programme. He encourages all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts to this end in the weeks and months to come.

Thank you, Madam President.