Reviving JCPOA still possible: Professor
“I believe an agreement is still possible and probable. The world is complex and Russia faces problems. The parties involved definitely want an agreement for economic and security reasons,” A professor of Political Science at the University of South Alabama, said.
The professor, Michael Hollingsworth, said in an exclusive interview with ILNA that Russia had several reasons to stop the talks over the new nuclear deal that was being negotiated. These reasons have nothing to do with security or the substantive goals of the agreement but rather serve strictly Russian interests at the expense of all other parties.
He said that they have an interest in not seeing any additional oil enter the market. Their goal is to keep oil prices high to place pressure on Europe regarding sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. They also want to ensure that they have unrestricted trade with Iran, not for the benefit of Iran, but for their own benefit as a way to evade some of the sanctions imposed on the country.
He stressed that Russia plays an important role in the agreement. Primarily, they are supposed to serve as an importer of fuel that is enriched to levels above what the agreement allows, and also provide technical support and fuel for a couple of reactors in Iran.
He said that unfortunately, the deal will take more time, which is not something that is desirable for the European parties and the United States.
“I believe the Chinese are in agreement with the progress that has been made regarding the negotiations and a possible agreement. China has a strong interest in a stable Middle Eastern region just like its Western counterparts. There have been agreements between the Chinese and Iranian governments before, such as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021, but there have been some issues with trade due to sanctions on Iran. I believe both parties would most likely support the agreement that is currently being drafted. “
“I believe an agreement is still possible and probable. The World is complex and Russia faces problems. The parties involved definitely want an agreement for economic and security reasons. While Russia has recently caused a short halt to negotiations, there is good evidence that there is a firm resolution that is being drafted,” he said.” I think the main issues to resolve are Russia’s involvement, which can hopefully be maintained, the legal limits regarding U.S. participation in the agreement (they cannot guarantee that a future president will not back out of the agreement), and some other smaller details.”
He said that they can reach an agreement that will work for all parties and hopefully lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iran and allow Iran to pursue nuclear power.