Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as the new ambassador to Vienna-based organizations, succeeding Mohsen Naziri-Asl. Najafi previously held this position during a crucial period of the JCPOA agreement. The deal collapsed after the US withdrawal in 2018, leading to rising tensions and enrichment concerns, as highlighted by UN chiefs. Negotiations for a new accord have stalled amidst conflicting statements from Trump and Iranian leaders.
Iran has named Reza Najafi as its new ambassador and permanent representative to several international organizations in Vienna, including the UN nuclear watchdog. This appointment, reported by local media, replaces Mohsen Naziri-Asl, who held the position since 2022.
Najafi, a former deputy foreign minister, previously occupied this role from 2013 to 2018, a significant period that coincided with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement involving the United States and other world powers.
The JCPOA imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief; however, the agreement disintegrated following the United States’ withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Although Tehran complied with the agreement for a year, it subsequently reduced its commitments.
The reinstatement of sanctions under Trump’s administration—referred to as a “maximum pressure” policy—was predicated on allegations regarding Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapon capability. Iran has refuted these claims but has expressed a desire to revive the JCPOA; however, negotiations have stalled.
Recently, UN atomic agency head Rafael Grossi articulated concerns regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, stating that it is being enriched to 60 percent, which is close to weapon-grade levels. He criticized the 2015 nuclear deal as an “empty shell” that is “no longer fit for purpose.” Furthermore, Trump has proposed establishing a new agreement with Iran, yet Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, has asserted that negotiations with the U.S. will not resolve existing issues.
In summary, Reza Najafi’s appointment as Iran’s ambassador to various international organizations, including the UN nuclear watchdog, comes during a critical phase concerning Iran’s nuclear activities. The collapse of the JCPOA and the ongoing challenges in negotiations underscore the complexities of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its relations with the United States. Recent assessments from international leaders confirm heightened concerns regarding Iran’s enrichment activities.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
