TOKYO: Japan’s foreign minister raised concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment program in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart on Monday.
A press release from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined that the ministers discussed Iran’s “nuclear issue.” Japan’s foreign minister reaffirmed his country’s support for the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’ (JCPOA), while Iran’s foreign minister reiterated the nation’s commitment to restoring the JCPOA through negotiations.
The JCPOA, also known as Resolution 2231 (2015) or the “Iran Nuclear Deal,” was brokered by the UN Security Council to curtail Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. This agreement provided the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, a 2023 IAEA report suggests that Iran stopped fulfilling its obligations under the plan in February 2021.
Iran Emphasizes Peaceful Nature of Nuclear Program
Iranian UN representatives have previously emphasized the peaceful nature of their nuclear enrichment program and criticized Israel’s nuclear weapons arsenal as a “grave threat to peace and security in the region,” potentially undermining the agreement.
In addition to discussing nuclear matters, the ministers also addressed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Japan’s foreign minister encouraged his Iranian counterpart to respond constructively to the situation.
