Iran Nuclear Negotiation Representative Suddenly Returns Home Near Negotiation End... Could Russia Be a Factor?

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Iranian representative involved in the restoration negotiations of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) reportedly abruptly returned home by plane, drawing attention to the background. As the negotiations were nearing their final stages, controversies intensified with Russia emerging as a new variable, leading to the interpretation that the return was due to a summons from Iranian authorities.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 7th (local time), Ali Bagheri Kani, the chief Iranian negotiator, temporarily suspended the talks held in Vienna, Austria, and hurriedly returned home. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency commented on Bagheri Kani's return, stating, "It is usually within the framework of consultations with the home country during negotiations." It is presumed that the return was due to a sudden summons from Iranian authorities.

The European Union (EU) chief negotiator criticized that whether the negotiations succeed or fail now depends on Iran. Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General of the EU External Action Service, said on Twitter, "There are no more expert-level negotiations, nor formal meetings," adding, "It is time for a political decision to end the Vienna talks within the next few days. The rest is noise."

As the negotiations were approaching the final stages, Russia's emergence as a new variable is analyzed as prompting Iranian authorities to take a breather. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, regarding Western sanctions, Russia has demanded that for the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal to be finalized, international sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine must be exempted for trade between Iran and Russia.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian reportedly held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss issues related to Western sanctions on Russia. In a statement, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian said, "We oppose war and the imposition of sanctions. Cooperation with any country, including Iran and Russia, should not be affected by the atmosphere of sanctions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.