Iran rejects UK, GCC statement on nuclear talks

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman has condemned the latest statement from the meeting between the UK and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

Saeed Khatibzadeh said, “Iran has always played a responsible role in reinforcing peace and stability in the region and based on this has called on the countries in the region for talks and cooperation.” He added, “Western countries, through the sale of modern arms to regional countries, are a significant factor in creating tension and causing human catastrophes in the region.” 

Khatibzadeh continued, “Based on its principled strategies and policies, Iran sees the solution to regional problems through cooperation and dialogue between regional countries.” He said that Iran has acted within its commitments when it comes to the non-proliferation treaty and will “continue to enjoy the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.”

The UK-GCC statement urged Iran to seize on the opportunity to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the US exited in 2018 under President Donald Trump. As a result, Iran took steps away from the terms of the deal, which President Joe Biden wants to now reenter and have Iran back in full compliance. The UK-GCC statement said that Iran’s continued nuclear progress “is permanently eroding the benefits of the deal and undermining regional and international security” and warned that it could push the region to a “crisis point.”