In April 2021, the European Union convened indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Vienna. The goal was to create two separate roadmaps to bring Iran and the United States back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. The other five countries that negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia – also participated in the talks. Diplomats of the so-called “P4+1” countries met with U.S. and Iranian representatives in separate working groups.
The negotiations played out over six rounds:
- The first round from April 6 to 9
- The second round from April 15 to 20
- The third round from April 27 to May 1
- The fourth round from May 6 to May 19
- The fifth round from May 25 to June 2
- The sixth round from June 12 to June 20
The goal of the Vienna talks was to draft a roadmap of steps -- one on the United States lifting sanctions and one on Iran rolling back its nuclear program. But U.S. and Iranian diplomats did not participate in the same sessions.
European diplomats lauded the Vienna meeting as a potential diplomatic breakthrough. “We have no time to lose,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on April 2. “Returning to a nuclear agreement fully respected by all sides would be a plus for security in the entire region.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drain urged Iran to be “constructive” in the Vienna talks and to “help identify in the coming weeks the steps that will be needed in order to return to full compliance with the nuclear deal.”
Both Russia and China also offered to mediate the Vienna talks but blamed Washington for the diplomatic impasse. “The U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA is the root cause of the tension in the Iranian nuclear situation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on April 2, ahead of a virtual meeting between the P4+1 and Iran. “The pressing task now is for the U.S. to lift all illegal sanctions against Iran.”
Russia said that the United States would need to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which mandated lifting nuclear sanctions on Iran, before returning to the nuclear deal. “The impression is that we are on the right track, but the way ahead will not be easy and will require intensive effort,” Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s ambassador in Vienna, tweeted. The following are statements by the world powers on new diplomacy.
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European Union
Foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on June 20, 2021: “We are very close. We have been working for two months... I hope that the results of the elections is not going to be the last obstacle that will ruin the negotiation process.”
Enrique Mora, E.U. coordinator for the talks, on June 20, 2021: “We are closer to a deal, but we are not still there...“We have made progress on a number of technical issues...We have now more clarity on technical documents – all of them quite complex – and that clarity allows us to have also a great idea of what the political problems are.”
Mora on June 15, 2021: “The obstacles (are)...something that I think can be bridged... “This is why we are here: to negotiate these different approaches, and I think we will succeed.”
Remarks by Mora on June 2, 2021: "I am sure that the next round will be the one in which we will finally get a deal."
Statement by the EU External Action Service on May 24: "The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will resume in a physical format this Tuesday 25 May, in Vienna.
"The Joint Commission will be chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by the Deputy Secretary General/Political Director of the European External Action Service, Enrique Mora. It will be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.
"Participants will continue their discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA."
Tweet on Josep Borrell, High Representative of the E.U. for Foreign Affairs and Security, May 21:
Spoke w/Minister @JZarif to discuss #JCPOA. Teams in Vienna made good progress in past weeks. All sides now need to take necessary political decisions, so we can conclude negotiations & get back to full implementation. Crucial for @IAEAorg to continue its verification activities
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 20, 2021
Remarks by Mora on May 19: "I am quite sure that there will be a final agreement ... I think we are on the right track and we will get an agreement."
Just chaired a #JCPOA Joint Commission to wrap-up 4th round Vienna talks.We’ve made good progress. An agreement is shaping up. Now a common understanding on what still needed for US return to #JCPOA, lifting of related sanctions and the resumption of nuclear commitments by Iran pic.twitter.com/gCO3rSBZ2k
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) May 19, 2021
Remarks by Borrell on May 10: “I am optimistic, there is a window of opportunity that will stay open for a couple of weeks, (until) end of the month...But a lot of work is needed, time is limited and I hope that the negotiations will enter into a phase of nonstop (talks) in Vienna."
Glad to be in London for the #G7UK ministerial meeting, which kicked off with important discussion on Iran & DPRK.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 3, 2021
As coordinator of the #JCPOA, I highlighted the need to use the current window of opportunity to advance towards return of the US & full implementation of the deal.
Joint Commission #JCPOA just wrapped up this third week of negotiations in Vienna. Moderate advances but with more detail comes more complexity. We will reconvene next week to continue. pic.twitter.com/DMwYeZhW6T
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) May 1, 2021
Back in Vienna for the #JCPOA Joint Commission, experts discussions and separate contacts with US in this third week of talks to advance on our objectives: US rejoining the JCPOA and full implementation of the deal. pic.twitter.com/pUJdudLYJV
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) April 27, 2021
Statement by the EU External Action Service on April 26: "The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will resume its work in a physical format tomorrow, 27 April, in Vienna.
The Joint Commission will be chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by the Deputy Secretary General/Political Director of the European External Action Service, Enrique Mora. It will be attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.
Participants will continue their discussions in view of a possible return of the United States to the JCPOA and on how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA."
Statement by the EU External Action Service on April 20: "The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) resumed its work in Vienna in a physical format this Tuesday. The Joint Commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the JCPOA.
"The Joint Commission was chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by the EEAS Political Director Enrique Mora and was attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.
"Participants took stock of progress made in the ongoing discussions in Vienna regarding specific measures needed in terms of sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation for the possible return of the US to the JCPOA and its full and effective implementation.
"The Joint Commission decided to create a third expert group to start looking into the possible sequencing of respective measures.
"Participants reiterated their resolve to further pursue their joint diplomatic effort including in the Joint Commission and through continued separate contacts of the Coordinator with all JCPOA participants and the United States.
"The Joint Commission will reconvene in the course of next week."
After intensive talks we have taken stock in the Joint Commission. Progress has been made in a far from easy task. We need now more detailed work. Key that everyone is committed to the same objectives: US rejoining the #JCPOA and its full implementation. pic.twitter.com/84CDnzC4nf
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) April 17, 2021
Good to see everybody back in Vienna ready to advance our talks, despite very challenging events and announcements over the past days. Working towards the same objectives: US rejoining the #JCPOA and its full implementation. pic.twitter.com/Ws7iipKTLf
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) April 15, 2021
Statement by the EU External Action Service on April 9: "The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) resumed its work in Vienna in a physical format this Friday. The Joint Commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the JCPOA.
"The Joint Commission was chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by the EEAS Political Director Enrique Mora and was attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran.
"Participants took stock of the discussions held at various levels since the last Joint Commission in view of a possible return of the US to the JCPOA and discussed modalities to ensure the return to its full and effective implementation. The Joint Commission was briefed on the work of the two expert groups on sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures and participants noted the constructive and results oriented exchanges.
"In light of the joint ministerial statement of 21 December, the participants emphasised their resolve to further pursue the ongoing joint diplomatic effort. The coordinator will continue his separate contacts with all JCPOA participants and the United States.
"The Joint Commission tasked expert groups to continue their work and agreed to reconvene in Vienna in the course of next week."
Constructive Joint Commission meeting. There's unity and ambition for a joint diplomatic process with two expert groups on nuclear implementation and sanctions lifting. As Coordinator I will intensify separate contacts here in Vienna with all relevant parties, including US. pic.twitter.com/aQc6CSXlHc
— Enrique Mora (@enriquemora_) April 6, 2021
Statement by EU External Action Service on April 2: “A meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was held virtually on Friday, 2 April. Under the terms of the JCPOA, the Joint Commission is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the agreement. The Joint Commission was chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, by the EEAS Deputy Secretary General Enrique Mora and was attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and Iran at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers/Political Directors.
“In line with the joint ministerial statement of 21 December participants recognised the prospect of a full return of the US to the JCPOA, and underlined their readiness to positively address this in a joint effort. Participants also emphasised their commitment to preserve the JCPOA and discussed modalities to ensure the return to its full and effective implementation.
“Participants agreed to resume this session of the Joint Commission in Vienna next week, in order to clearly identify sanctions lifting and nuclear implementation measures, including through convening meetings of the relevant expert groups. In this context, the coordinator will also intensify separate contacts in Vienna with all JCPOA participants and the United States.”
E3 (Britain, France and Germany) Joint Statements
Statement by the foreign ministries' spokespeople on August 19, 2021: "We, the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, note with grave concern the latest reports by the IAEA confirming that Iran has produced uranium metal enriched up to 20% for the first time, and has significantly increased its production capacity of uranium enriched up to 60%.
"We reiterate that these are serious violations of Iran’s commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). Both are key steps in the development of a nuclear weapon and Iran has no credible civilian need for either measure. Our concerns are deepened by the fact that Iran has significantly limited IAEA access through withdrawing from JCPoA-agreed monitoring arrangements and ceasing application of the Additional Protocol.
"Iran‘s activities are all the more troubling given the fact talks in Vienna have been interrupted upon Tehran’s request for two months now and that Iran has not yet committed to a date for their resumption. While refusing to negotiate, Iran is instead establishing facts on the ground which make a return to the JCPoA more complicated.
"Iran must halt all activities in violation of the JCPoA without delay. We urge Iran to return to the negotiations in Vienna as soon as possible with a view to bringing them to a swift, successful conclusion. We have repeatedly stressed that time is on no-one’s side."
Foreign ministers' statement on July 6, 2021: "We, Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, note with grave concern the latest report by the IAEA confirming that Iran has taken steps in the production of enriched uranium metal. This is a serious violation of Iran’s commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon.
"This further step in Iran’s escalation of its nuclear violations is all the more concerning at a time when no date has been set for the continuation of the negotiations in Vienna on a return to the JCPoA. This also takes place in the context of Iran having significantly curtailed IAEA accesses through withdrawing from JCPoA agreed monitoring arrangements and ceasing application of the Additional Protocol.
"We strongly urge Iran to halt all activities in violation of the JCPoA, without delay and to return to the negotiations in Vienna with a view to bringing them to a swift conclusion. We have repeatedly stressed that time is on no-one’s side. With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations to date."
France
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on June 25, 2021: "We're waiting for Iranian authorities to take the final difficult decisions to allow for the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal."
“It’s been six weeks since the negotiations started again. Some progress was achieved, and we will now be entering the most difficult times. It will require some strong and courageous decisions on behalf of the new Iranian authorities, but now is the time."
Junior Foreign Minister Franck Riester on June 23, 2021: “Difficult decisions will need to be made in the coming days or weeks if these negotiations were not to move forward.”
Foreign Ministry statement on June 16, 2021: "The negotiations become more difficult as they focus on the more difficult issues. Significant disagreements persist... This means courageous decisions are needed, which will have to be taken quickly, because we all share the opinion that time is on no one's side."
Remarks by French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Agnes von der Muhll on May 11: "The discussions that resumed on May 7 in Vienna have led to some initial progress on the nuclear issue. Nevertheless, major disagreements remain on some key points that must be ironed out in order to reach an agreement providing for the return of Iran and the United States and their full implementation of the JCPOA. There is still a lot to do, within very tight deadlines.
"There is a broad agreement on the urgency and importance of Iran’s return to full implementation of all the verification and surveillance measures provided by the JCPOA, which that country unilaterally suspended on February 23. Without the implementation of these measures, the IAEA is unable to fully carry out its mandate.
"If an agreement on Iran’s resumption of its commitments is not reached before the expiration of the bilateral technical arrangement between Iran and the Agency, they will have to agree on its extension.
"Along with its E3 partners, France continues to play a major role in these discussions, in a manner that is both rigorous, with respect to the fundamental challenges of non-proliferation, and pragmatic."
Remarks by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drain to the Guardian on May 6: “We need to achieve some progress urgently because due to Iran’s breaches of its own commitments Iran has never been closer to a nuclear weapon. The U.S. is very determined to make progress – they sent the necessary gesture and signals to show they were ready to take the necessary decisions to lift sanctions. At present Iran has not taken the corresponding gestures or signs about all their breaches of the accord since 2019. This is a crucial moment because it is now that the Iranians must take the necessary gestures.”
Statement by French Foreign Minister Le Drain on April 3: “I encouraged Iran to be constructive in the discussions that are set to take place…They are meant to help identify in the coming weeks the steps that will be needed in order to return to full compliance with the nuclear deal.”
Germany
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on June 22, 2021: "The talks in Vienna were very intensive. We are making progress, but there’s still a few hard nuts to crack, as we all know only too well, and we also know that the environment of the negotiations continues to be very complex now that elections have taken place in Iran."
"As far as the negotiations in Vienna are concerned, they are not easy. In the past few weeks, that has become quite obvious. There are a whole host of technical issues that need solving still. We are making headway step by step, one round of negotiations after the other, and we expect that now that a new government has been elected there are good opportunities for negotiations to continue and be concluded."
"We, for one, are convinced that it is worthwhile to engaging with the other parties even over such a longer period of time and to ensuring that the JCPOA is being revitalized and revived."
Remarks by Maas on June 12: "It is about flexibility and pragmatism from all participating parties... Playing for time is in no-one's interest."
Remarks by Maas on May 10: "The negotiations are tough and laborious but all participants are conducting the talks in a constructive atmosphere. However, time is running out. We aim for the full restoration of the Iran nuclear deal as this is the only way to guarantee that Iran will not be able to come into possession of nuclear weapons."
Statement by Maas on April 27: “All those involved want to play a constructive role and are trying to come to a result that looks like this; Iran fully returns to its commitments and the US is also ready to lift the sanctions it imposed on Iran after withdrawing from the JCPOA."
Statement by Maas on April 2: “I am pleased that all relevant actors have agreed to meet in Vienna starting next week to work on fully implementing the JCPOA again. Jointly with our E3 partners France and the United Kingdom, we have worked hard towards this goal over the last weeks.
“We have no time to lose. Returning to a nuclear agreement fully respected by all sides would be a plus for security in the entire region, and the best basis for talks on other important questions of regional stability.”
China
🇨🇳Amb. Wang Qun, at #JCPOA JC meeting today, called on JC, through its two processes, incl. the proximity talks w/🇺🇸US, to immediately embark on drafting process of sanction-lifting arrangement, while saying that he drew encouragement from the productive work over past 2 days. pic.twitter.com/SdoAU5iWZr
— Permanent Mission of China in Vienna (@ChinaMissionVie) April 17, 2021
Remarks by Wang Qun, China's ambassador to the United Nations on April 15: “what is needed most now as a top priority is to do away with any disruptive factors and pick up the pace of negotiation here.”
Remarks by Ambassador Wang on April 9: "All parties have narrowed down their differences and we do see the momentum for gradually evolving consensus."
Statement by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on April 2: “The Iranian nuclear situation is at a critical stage. China has all along taken a just position and played a constructive role on the issue. We will take an active part in the JCPOA video conference to consolidate the consensus on preserving the JCPOA and discuss a roadmap for US and Iranian resumption of compliance in a synchronized, reciprocal manner, and work for the JCPOA to get back on track at an early date.
“I want to stress that the US unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA is the root cause of the tension in the Iranian nuclear situation. We welcome the willingness of the US side to return to the JCPOA. The pressing task now is for the US to lift all illegal sanctions against Iran and long-arm jurisdiction over a third party. This is an inherent requirement of the return to the JCPOA. On this basis, Iran should resume full implementation of the nuclear deal.
“China will work with other parties to advance the political settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue, and at the same time resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
Russia
Interview with Ambassador Mikhail Ulyanov, Permanent Representative of Russia to International Organizations, on July 11, 2011:
Question: "When can the negotiations process be resumed?
Ulyanov: "As of today, no one, including Iranians, has an answer to that. It’s understandable: Iran has recently elected a new president, there’s a new team coming to the office, they need time to figure this out. The question is really critical for both the Iranian society and the establishment. It’s been a subject of a heated debate. So it’s not surprising.
"A different issue is that it starts causing, I’d say, a certain irritation among other participants of the negotiations. Which is also clear, because leaving new agreements hanging for such a long time does no good for the cause. We presume that the sooner the talks resume the better. I think they won’t start earlier than in ten days, maybe later."
Question: "How will Russia benefit from the JCPOA restoration?
Ulyanov: "There is both multilateral and bilateral dimension to that. If we’re talking about the former, in our foreign policy the issue of nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction plays quite an integral part. It’s one of our priorities. Restoration of the JCPOA will ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program that Iran is undoubtedly entitled to. If we get to restore the Nuclear Deal, it’s going to be if not breakthrough, but surely a considerable success in strengthening the international nuclear nonproliferation regime."
"As far as the bilateral track is concerned, restoration of the JCPOA would entail lifting of the critical mass of the US trade and economic sanctions against Iran. It would make the work of the Russian businesses – whether state-owned or private – more comfortable. This is also an important aspect."
Question: "There have been six rounds on the JCPOA restoration. Is it possible to assess what part of the path has been covered?"
Ulyanov: "My impression is that we’ve covered 90 percent of the path. Relatively speaking, there isn’t much left. However, those 10 percent contain a number of politically sensitive issues that can hold the process back."
Question: "And those issues are?"
Ulyanov: "One of the very real questions, for instance, is whether there can be a guarantee that this saga that unfolded under Donald Trump presidency and brought disastrous results won’t happen again. It’s quite problematic."
Question: "Has the sequence been identified for what each side has to do to restore the Deal? Should the US lift post-2018 sanctions or Iran restore the full implementation of its commitments to limit its nuclear program? Someone has to go first or both can do it simultaneously?"
Ulyanov: "There’s almost a full clarity on that. But the sequence itself is yet subject to discussion, although, I repeat – the contours are there, and no one seems to have objections in that regard."
Question: "Who has to make the first step: the United States or Iran?"
Ulyanov: "I can outline the Russian view: it’s obvious that the United States has to take the first step because they misbehaved, left the deal and nearly destroyed it, threatening the entire world with exterritorial sanctions."
Question: "How do you like working with the new U.S. administration?"
Ulyanov: "My colleagues and I enjoy working with the new U.S. negotiators. In times of Donald Trump’s administration, we rarely had a proper conversation. I feel like now the US takes quite a pragmatic and overall balanced stance.
"We do have significant differences on several issues, but in general they are demonstrating a business-like approach that paves the way to reaching agreements. I think that in this case such positive impression can be explained, first and foremost, by the unity of purpose – a collective aspiration to restore the Nuclear Deal."
"Their position was instrumental in rejecting a harmful idea of the ‘JCPOA+’ that was actively promulgated by the E3 (France, Germany, United Kingdom). If the task had been to restore the JCPOA and add some commitments on top of that, the negotiations wouldn’t have started at all.
"The U.S. [administration] understood that and pragmatically refrained from the temptation to impose new demands on Iran. In circumstances when Russia and China also pronounced against the ‘JCPOA+’, our European colleagues also opted for a more rational approach. That’s why from the very outset we reached an understanding that the goal of the negotiations is to restore the original JCPOA. Nothing more, nothing less.
"However, in reality we witness that everyone, except for us and the Chinese, are trying to add something or take something off. In such cases we have to remind them that this goes beyond the framework of the agreed goal of the negotiations. We intend to keep doing that."
Question: "What’s the Russian position on Iran having revised the conditions of what it had been doing before in accordance with the JCPOA in terms of transparency measures with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?"
Ulyanov: "As a rule, when we commented on Tehran’s stepping away from Nuclear Deal’s provisions, we used the word ‘regret.’ But now it seems there are reasons for concern. Iran seems to be going too far. For the first time in practice of the non-nuclear-weapon-states there’s enrichment up to 60 percent, there’s uranium metal. The sooner we agree on how to restore the JCPOA, the faster we eliminate that.
"At the moment our Western colleagues are concerned about the expiration of the temporary technical understandings reached between the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Tehran last February dealing with functioning of cameras on Iranian facilities. In the end of June, Iranians decided not to extend these understandings. I think there’s no need to over-dramatize. On one condition: if the cameras continue working, and their footage is being stored. Judging by public statements from Iran, that is what’s planned. I’d like to draw particular attention to the fact that recording and preserving the video footage corresponds not only to the IAEA’s, but also to Iran’s interests. Without that, there would be a gap in the IAEA’s knowledge of Iranian nuclear program that would result in having more questions to Iran that it would have hard time responding to."
According to #UNSC resolution 2231 sunset provisions of #JCPOA theoretically can be extended but only upon consensus. Therefore nobody can impose relevant discussions on #Iran against its will. In any case sunsets aren’t a part of #ViennaTalks on restoration of the original JCPOA https://t.co/K2FDIN4Zq6
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) July 5, 2021
In the context of #ViennaTalks some analysts and officials advocate for addressing new topics such as regional security and missiles. An attempt to hit 3 birds with 1 stone. Unrealistic and counterproductive. The agreed goal of the talks is just to restore the original #JCPOA.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) July 5, 2021
The #ViennaTalks on #JCPOA will resume as soon as all the Participating States are ready for what is supposed to be the final stage of negotiations. This isn’t the case in point yet. Some participants need more time. Looks like we will meet in Vienna not earlier than next week. https://t.co/pFVZWXJsu5
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) July 1, 2021
My instinct tells me that the #ViennaTalks on restoration of #JCPOA will resume next week, i.e. no later than July 4 or-most probably- earlier. This is not for sure but highly likely. Let’s see. https://t.co/PFDxcmyyaP
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 24, 2021
Chances to complete the #ViennaTalks on #JCPOA successfully during the seventh round seem to be high but you never know for sure in advance. The negotiators aim at fulfilling their tasks without delay. However the quality of an outcome document comes first. https://t.co/86gImCO1BE
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 25, 2021
Ambassador Ulyanov on June 20, 2021: “There are a few controversial points which require political decisions. Apparently diplomatic efforts to find common language have been almost fully exhausted. So the time has come for political decisions...I believe we have all chances to arrive at the final point of our negotiations, maybe even by mid-July, unless something extraordinary and negative happens."
Ulyanov on June 3:
Unfortunately the fifth round of the Vienna talks did not become final as the negotiators hoped. Experience tells us that during such complicated negotiations exact forecasts are not possible. However the view of Mr.Araghchi seems to be realistic judging by the progress achieved https://t.co/L00yvLwJP5
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 3, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on June 2:
The Vienna talks on full restoration of #JCPOA reached the point when there is an objective need to consult with capitals on the remaining issues which require political decisions. Therefore the Joint Commission decided to make a break and resume talks at the end of next week.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 2, 2021
The Vienna talks on full restoration of #JCPOA reached the point when there is an objective need to consult with capitals on the remaining issues which require political decisions. Therefore the Joint Commission decided to make a break and resume talks at the end of next week.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 2, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on June 1:
Another useful meeting with the #US delegation at the Vienna talks #JCPOA. We had a frank discussion with the US Envoy for #Iran Mr. Robert Malley on the remaining issues which need to be settled in order to restore full implementation of the nuclear deal. pic.twitter.com/6z9duvF4b3
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) June 1, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 31:
Met today with Mr. Enrique Moro and other colleagues from the European External Action Service to discuss issues related to the Vienna talks on #JCPOA. pic.twitter.com/VQLZcnc7uL
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 31, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 26:
The Vienna talks are under way. Numerous meetings in various formats. The Russian and the US delegations met once again and had useful and businesslike discussions, as always.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 26, 2021
Met today with the Heads of French, German and U.K. delegations at the Vienna talks on #JCPOA. We exchanged views on the progress made, the on-going diplomatic efforts and the way ahead.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 26, 2021
The #JCPOA Participating States (without #Iran) met today with the #US delegation. We exchanged views on the current states of affairs at the Vienna talks with special emphasis on implementation aspects of a future agreement which is at an advanced stage of elaboration. pic.twitter.com/3oXvMMJfEJ
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 27, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 25:
The Joint Commission opened today the fifth and probably final round of the Vienna talks on restoration of the #JCPOA. The participants expressed readiness to do their best to resolve the remaining outstanding issues and to complete negotiations successfully as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/7XqceVFKfd
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 25, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 20:
It is obvious now that the Vienna talks on #JCPOA will not be completed by May 21 as the participants hoped. Regrettable but not dramatic. May 21 wasn’t a deadline but a target date. It helped us not to forget about time pressure. The talks will continue until successful outcome.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 20, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 19:
The 4th round of the Vienna talks is over. The #JCPOA participants at their meeting today noted that “good”or “significant” progress was made and that an agreement is “within reach”. The Joint Commission will resume its work early next week. Hopefully the 5th round will be final. pic.twitter.com/4aVStIIm8Z
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 19, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 16:
Met today with the US Special Envoy for #Iran Mr. Robert Malley. We and members of our teams had a frank and fruitful discussion on major issues related to the Vienna talks on restoration of the #JCPOA. pic.twitter.com/EMmojwiOdO
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 16, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 7:
The Joint Commission of #JCPOA at its meeting today opened a new round of the talks on full restoration of the nuclear deal. The participants agreed on the need to intensify the process. The delegations seem to be ready to stay in Vienna as long as necessary to achieve the goal.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 7, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 6:
The next (who knows- maybe final?) round of the Vienna talks on restoration of full implementation of the #JCPOA will start on May 7. Of course, if the need arises the negotiators may decide to make a new break to seek further instructions from the capitals.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 6, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on May 1
#JCPOA participants held today informal consultations with the #US delegation at the Vienna talks on full restoration of the nuclear deal (without #Iran who is still not ready to meet with US diplomats). pic.twitter.com/tTOIgO3KLY
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 1, 2021
The #JCPOA participants noted today the indisputable progress made at the Vienna talks on restoration of the nuclear deal. The Joint Commission will reconvene at the end of the next week. In the meantime experts will continue to draft elements of future agreement.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 1, 2021
At which stage the Vienna talks on #JCPOA restoration are? It’s to early to be excited, but we have reasons for cautious and growing optimism. There is no deadline, but participants aim at successful completion of the talks in approximately 3 weeks. Is it realistic? We will see.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) May 1, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 28:
The Vienna talks are under way. Sanctions lifting and nuclear working groups continued considerations of measures to be taken by Washington and Tehran in order to restore JCPOA. The third working group-on practical arrangements for implementation- met today for the first time.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 28, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 27:
The new round of the Vienna talks started with official meeting of Joint Commission of #JCPOA. The discussions proved that participants are guided by the unity of purpose which is full restoration of the nuclear deal in its original form. It was decided to expedite the process. pic.twitter.com/svMEe2hYED
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 27, 2021
Tweet by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 26:
The next meeting of Joint Commission of #JCPOA will take place on April 27 in Vienna. The participants will continue negotiations on restoration of the nuclear deal, including in 3 working groups. It’s not ruled out that the new round of talks will be longer than the previous one
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 26, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 20:
Today the Joint Commission of #JCPOA took note with satisfaction of the progress made in negotiations to restore the nuclear deal. It was decided to take a break to allow the delegations to do homework and consult with the capitals. The Commission will meet again early next week. pic.twitter.com/1qI4P84KSc
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 20, 2021
The Joint Commission of #JCPOA will start its meeting in a few minutes. It is not expected to last long. pic.twitter.com/rKLOcudFHd
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 20, 2021
The Joint Commission of #JCPOA will reconvene in-person in a few hours. Before that a number of informal meetings in different formats will take place as always.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 20, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 19:
The participants in the Vienna talks decided that the Joint Commission of #JCPOA will reconvene once again on April 20 to take stock of the work done by expert- level working groups and consider next steps.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 19, 2021
The lack of knowledge and speculations regarding delicate issues related to #JCPOA restoration aren’t welcomed. Opponents of the nuclear deal forgot that the UN restrictions on arms trade with #Iran which States were obliged to comply with expired on October 18 last year. https://t.co/5NXWk9Bx20
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 19, 2021
The Russian and the US delegations at the Vienna talks held useful bilateral consultations on issues related to US sanctions lifting and return of Iran to full compliance with its nuclear commitments under #JCPOA. pic.twitter.com/qPWJoIQm7H
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 19, 2021
Summing up the results of 2 weeks of deliberations on #JCPOA restoration we can note with satisfaction that the negotiations entered the drafting stage. Practical solutions are still far away, but we have moved from general words to agreeing on specific steps towards the goal.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 19, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 18:
Pursuant to the decision of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA its working groups continued to work in Vienna on sanctions lifting and nuclear issues in the afternoon yesterday and today. Their tasks are not easy but the process is going on.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 18, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 17:
After Joint Commission meeting of #JCPOA exchanged views on the way ahead with Iranian counterparts- Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Ambassador Kazem @Gharibabadi pic.twitter.com/moZApANp2z
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 17, 2021
The Joint Commission instructed expert-level working groups on US #sanctions lifting and nuclear issues to continue their activities on Saturday afternoon, Sunday and next week in order not to waist time and to make further progress in the negotiations on #JCPOA restoration.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 17, 2021
The meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA is over. The participants took note with satisfaction of the progress made so far and expressed determination to continue negotiations with a view to complete the process successfully as soon as possible.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 17, 2021
Slow but steady progress in the negotiations on restoration of the nuclear deal. Today in addition to the earlier planned activities at expert level the participants decided to reconvene the official meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA. It will start in a few hours.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 17, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 16:
On Friday evening a trilateral meeting of the Heads of the Chinese, Iranian and Russian delegations took place in the context of the ongoing efforts to restore full implementation of the #JCPOA by all sides. pic.twitter.com/ZEUDhKwdfU
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 16, 2021
The Joint Commission of #JCPOA continues its work today in Vienna through informal consultations in various configurations. Delegations provide their contributions on sanctions lifting and nuclear issues.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 16, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 15:
The meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA will start soon. It will be the second round of consultations ( I would prefer to say. “negotiations”) on ways and means to restore full implementation of the nuclear deal by all sides. pic.twitter.com/d1081OlfsZ
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 15, 2021
The Joint Commission meeting of #JCPOA is over. It will be followed by a number of informal meetings in different formats, including at expert level. General impression is positive. If the need arises the Commission will reconvene.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 15, 2021
For the first time heads of delegations of #JCPOA Participating States (without #Iran) met today with the head of the US delegation in an informal setting in Vienna to discuss the ongoing work on restoration of the nuclear deal.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 15, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 10:
Most likely the next meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA will be held on April 14 in Vienna. Hopefully by that time all its participants and the #US will undertake analysis of the work done this week and elaborate their positions further to expedite the negotiations.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 10, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 9:
The Joint Commission meeting in Vienna is over. The #JCPOA participants took stock of the work done by experts over the last three days and noted with satisfaction the initial progress made. The Commission will reconvene next week in order to maintain the positive momentum.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 9, 2021
For a long time we spoke about the need to restore the #JCPOA, but only now we have started to elaborate practical steps in this direction. If we succeed we can strengthen non-proliferation regime, alleviate suffering of the Iranian population and ease tension in Persian Gulf.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 9, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 7:
Met today with the #US Special Envoy for #Iran Mr. Robert Malley. We had a businesslike discussion on issues related to restoration of full implementation of the #JCPOA by all sides.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 7, 2021
For a long time we spoke about the need to restore the #JCPOA, but only now we have started to elaborate practical steps in this direction. If we succeed we can strengthen non-proliferation regime, alleviate suffering of the Iranian population and ease tension in Persian Gulf.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 9, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 6:
The restoration of #JCPOA will not happen immediately. It will take some time. How long? Nobody knows. The most important thing after today’ meeting of the Joint Commission is that practical work towards achieving this goal has started.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 6, 2021
The Joint Commission meeting of #JCPOA was successful. Two expert-level groups (on sanctions lifting and nuclear issues) were tasked to identify concrete measures to be taken by Washington and Tehran to restore full implementation of JCPOA. The groups started to work immediately pic.twitter.com/RSw41D4Yix
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 6, 2021
Tweets by Ambassador Ulyanov on April 2:
The virtual meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA is over. Discussions were quite businesslike and will continue. The impression is that we are on the right track but the way ahead will not be easy and will require intensive efforts. The stakeholders seem to be ready for that
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 2, 2021
At today’s virtual meeting of the Joint Commission of #JCPOA the Participants ( including #Iran, of course) recognised the prospect of full return of the #US to the nuclear deal and underlined their readiness to positively address this in a joint effort.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 2, 2021
Possible #US return to #JCPOA apparently will require full Washington’s compliance with the nuclear deal and #UNSC resolution 2231.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 2, 2021
Today’s virtual session of Joint Commission of #JCPOA will resume on April 6 in Vienna to address practical aspects of #sanctions lifting as well return of #Iran to full implementation of its nuclear commitments. This will be done primarily in two expert-level working groups.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) April 2, 2021