P5+1, EU Nuclear Deal – JCPOA Endanger Iran and Israel

July 21, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

Iran Nuclear Deal – the prolific nuclear powers P5+1 engagement with non-nuclear state Iran on non-nuclear proliferation is the irony to begin with and the purpose was to contain Iran from developing a nuclear bomb predominantly to protect the only nuclear state Israel in the Middle East.

The illegal sanctions on Iran were to be lifted in entirety in exchange for Iran’s commitment to limited nuclear activity.

As I mentioned earlier, Iran’s self-declaration on oil and natural gas reserves in possession lasting over hundred years essentially negate the need for nuclear energy.

Nonetheless, the uranium enrichment for nuclear medicine and scientific programs solely directed towards life saving projects do not require external approval due to notable difference in quantity otherwise involved in manufacturing nuclear weapon.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi discussed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between P5+1 and Iran in Majlis i.e. Iranian Parliament.

Foreign Minister Zarif stated that Iran’s objectives were achieved in the deal and they are – establishing the nuclear program, enrichment and retaining the heavy water reactor.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif also mentioned about termination of sanctions on nuclear program along with enhancement of Iran’s missile capabilities in addition to removing trade and financial embargo.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized that Iran has never been and is after nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Chief Ali Akbar Salehi briefing on JCPOA to Majlis clarified on the provisions of the agreement meant to restrict Iran from advancing towards nuclear bomb, however there are no constraints on the country’s nuclear sector since the Islamic Republic has never sought to build such weapons.

Objectively speaking, the Vienna agreement has allowed Iran nuclear program to remain intact creating false impression to Iran of P5+1 and EU having acceded to Iran’s nuclear rights.

Accordingly the foreign entities (P5+1 and EU) determined Iran as the nuclear power in the Vienna document that was adopted at UNSC with the contentious snap back mechanism reversing the JCPOA outcome using singular veto from the United States or any other ally assuming higher likelihood of Iran’s breach of contract as specified in the UNSC material.

Similarly the economic and financial sanctions are not necessarily removed despite such claim alongside stipulation in the UN resolution for sanctions to linger on for 10 years with five years extension upon initial term expiry.

The decision by P5+1 (P6) and EU obviously reached with the mindset of Iran violating the deal in the 10 years timeframe or in subsequent five years period.

Hence the statement on Iran as a nuclear power in the agreement prior to any acquisition now or in the immediate term.

Israeli authorities protest to P6 plus EU and Iran pact on the possibility of Iran transforming to nuclear power during economic boom from sanctions relief combined with P6 and EU relaxation on Iran’s nuclear sector ignore the snap back option in the agreement.

There are two scenarios from the opposite sides drawing attention.

Israel assertion on Iran bound for nuclear status regardless of snap back clause in UNSC resolution.

Perhaps Israel’s concerns are Iran’s preparedness towards Israel’s established pre-emptive strikes and provocation currently witnessed in Pentagon’s wanton rhetoric of military action against the Islamic state.

Iran stance on non-nuclear aspiration in the past and present that could not be affirmed for the future with the guarantors of today not being around tomorrow.

Contemporary issues are being addressed on short term basis neglecting repercussions in the long run.

When arriving at consensus on matter of greater importance affecting lives, the assessment of negative impact with appropriate remedy should be part of the solution.

JCPOA fails to accommodate Iran’s response to any fabricated account to derail the process. The option to revive sanctions with veto could trigger Iran reverting to nuclear goals.

With unpredictable future preventing destructive course would be wise rather than enticing Iran into entrapment prevalent in the pact.

The genuine peace accord would comprehensively and unconditionally eliminate sanctions against Iran on economic, banking and financial sector given the illegitimate rule exercised by UNSC exclusive club with veto power.

Israel’s anxiety could be alleviated upon Israel’s compliance on nuclear non-proliferation treaty becoming a signatory and exceeding expectation with nuclear disarmament i.e. dismantling Israel’s Negev Research Center, Dimona site would aptly qualify the self-proclaimed Jewish state to campaign on anti-nuclear enhancement.

In return Iran abandoning nuclear programs and shutting down sites would be fair and equal without any known or unknown JCPOA incidents prompting such actions.

Israel and Iran’s mutual and simultaneous nuclear disinheritance would guarantee peace and stability in the region.

United States administration belief that JCPOA would prohibit war in the Middle East with persisting conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and Libya is misleading in context and reality.

Israel and Iran convergence on nuclear strategy divergence is the best viable option.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant