Iran says onus is on US to rejoin nuclear deal

Iran on Saturday said the onus is on the U.S. to rejoin the Obama-era nuclear deal as indirect negotiations continue in Vienna. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif panned former President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the deal exactly three years ago and said that decision set the stage for Washington to have to take the first step in the ongoing talks. 

“As we try to revive JCPOA in Vienna, it’s necessary to remember how it all started.3 years ago today, a disgraced buffoon violated US obligations under JCPOA & UNSCR 2231,” he tweeted, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. “Today, @POTUS  has to decide whether US continues lawlessness or adheres to law. Onus is on US, not Iran.”

As we try to revive JCPOA in Vienna, it’s necessary to remember how it all started.

3 years ago today, a disgraced buffoon violated US obligations under JCPOA & UNSCR 2231.

Today, @POTUS has to decide whether US continues lawlessness or adheres to law. Onus is on US, not Iran.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) May 8, 2021

The tweet comes as Washington and Tehran negotiate through European intermediaries in Vienna over how both sides can come back into compliance with the deal. However, neither side has budged.

Iran has demanded that sanctions Trump imposed be lifted before any changes are made to its nuclear program, but the U.S. insists that sanctions will be relieved only once Tehran reduces its uranium enrichment.

However, a flurry of diplomacy around the region by U.S. and Iranian diplomats has fueled speculation that talks are making progress.