The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on Thursday 29 August, expressed her support for a bilateral summit between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rohani, while reiterating the importance of preserving the existing Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iranian nuclear energy.
"We are always in favour of talks. The more people talk, the more people understand each other, the better, on the basis of clarity and on the basis of respect", she explained on her arrival at the informal ministerial meeting of European defence ministers. "We have worked to preserve the nuclear deal with Iran. And it is clear that, in full compliance with its provisions, more work could be done", she added.
For Luxembourg’s head of diplomacy, Jean Asselborn, a discussion at the highest level between the United States and Iran would be very helpful. Germany's Heiko Maas also welcomed the fact that there is "a willingness for more dialogue on the part of the United States". "Now it's about operationalising that and making sure everyone makes a contribution, including Iran, which leads to de-escalation in the region", he added.
Their Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto, was more cautious. "It is too early to say what the results will be, but it is very important that the initiative exists", he said.
For the Europeans, these discussions should not call into question the deal reached in 2015. "Above all, what exists must be preserved", stressed the High Representative, calling for full compliance with the JCPOA. A view shared by Luxembourg’s head of diplomacy that, if a new agreement were possible, the 2015 one should not be "broken" without replacing it.
On Thursday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that his country would not hold discussions with the United States until US sanctions were relaxed.
"No country will negotiate under pressure, especially the maximum pressure of the United States. No country would accept to enter negotiations while being under maximum pressure, because doing so would mean to ‘surrender’", he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant, with Pascal Hansens)