Reza Najafi has been appointed as Iran’s new ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog, succeeding Mohsen Naziri-Asl. Najafi’s previous term coincided with Iran’s JCPOA agreement. Iran has subsequently rolled back its commitment to the deal after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. The current state of negotiations remains tense, with Iran enriching uranium at near weapon-grade levels, while calls for a new agreement persist.
Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as its new ambassador and permanent representative to various Vienna-based international organizations, including the United Nations nuclear watchdog, as reported by local media. Reza Najafi replaces Mohsen Naziri-Asl, who held this position since 2022. Najafi, who previously served as deputy foreign minister, occupied this post from 2013 to 2018.
During Najafi’s prior term, Iran signed the landmark nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the United States and other world powers. The JCPOA placed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief; however, the agreement disintegrated after the United States withdrew in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Iran complied with the JCPOA for a year following the U.S. exit before retreating from its commitments.
Upon returning to the White House in January, President Trump reinstated his stringent sanctions against Iran, citing allegations that the nation is pursuing nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran has continuously refuted these allegations while expressing a readiness to reinstate the original agreement. Still, negotiations have yet to yield results.
Recently, the head of the UN atomic agency, Rafael Grossi, indicated that Iran is enriching uranium at 60 percent purity, which is nearing weapon-grade levels. Furthermore, he characterized the 2015 nuclear deal as an “empty shell” that is now “no longer fit for purpose.” Despite calls from Trump to forge a new agreement with Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has asserted that engaging in negotiations with the United States will not resolve existing issues.
The appointment of Reza Najafi as Iran’s new envoy to the UN nuclear watchdog marks a significant development in international relations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Najafi’s prior experience during the landmark JCPOA negotiations may impact future discussions. However, rising tensions following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal, coupled with ongoing uranium enrichment activities, continue to challenge the viability of any renewed negotiations between Iran and the West.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
