Discussion and Statement on Iran’s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

Background and further information:

The statement highlights that the JCPOA remained a key element of the nuclear non-proliferation global architecture and crucial for the security of the region.

It reaffirms the EU's commitment to the continued full and effective implementation of all parts of the JCPOA. The document encouraged the United States to maintain its commitment to the agreement and to consider its implications, following the announcement of the 'decertification' by the US President Donald Trump.

The JCPOA was agreed in 2015 to regulate the use of nuclear power by Iran. It is seen as the culmination of 12 years of diplomacy facilitated by the European Union.

The Statement was agreed by Foreign Ministers during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg, 16 October 2017.

The Council of the European Union held a discussion on 16 October 2017 regarding the implementation of Iran's Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and adopted a Statement on the matter.

• Primary Source

The Guardian, 16.10.17: EU urges US Congress to preserve Iran nuclear deal Trump threatened https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/16/eu-urges-us-congress-to-preserve-iran-nuclear-deal-trump-threatened

Reuters, 16.10.17: EU foreign policy chief expects strong EU backing for Iran deal https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1CL0TD

Politico, 16.10.17: Mogherini to fly to Washington amid rift with Trump over Iran http://www.politico.eu/article/federica-mogherini-iran-nuclear-deal-to-fly-to-washington-amid-rift-with-trump-over-iran/

Foreign Policy, 16.10.17: [Opinion] Rogue Iran Is a Global Threat http://foreignpolicy.com/2017/10/16/rogue-iran-is-a-global-threat/

Euronews, 16.10.17: EU rallies behind Iran nuclear deal http://www.euronews.com/2017/10/16/eu-rallies-behind-iran-nuclear-deal

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