Key takeaway: Iran is unlikely to agree to France’s proposal for negotiations supplemental to the nuclear deal.
French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Agnes Romatet-Espagne indicated that France is open to holding “future consultations” that would “supplement” the nuclear deal. The negotiations could focus on Iran’s ballistic missile program, among other issues. France likely seeks to preserve the nuclear deal in the wake of President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he is considering decertifying Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal. French companies such as oil and gas giant Total S.A. and automobile manufacturer Renault have struck major economic deals with Iran in the last year.
Iranian officials are unlikely to agree to holding additional negotiations. Iranian officials have rejected the possibility of “renegotiation” or “reopen[ing]” of the nuclear deal in the past. France has not publicly indicated a willingness to impose additional sanctions if Iran were to refuse to enter these supplemental negotiations.
This Iran News Round Up predominantly covers events from August 31 - September 1.
Air Defense Commander emphasizes defense against ballistic missiles.
Artesh Khatam ol Anbia Air Defense Base Commander Brig. Gen. Farzad Esmaili highlighted Iran’s missile defense capabilities in remarks on September 1. Esmaili stated that during an exercise Iran was able to thwart a “long-range and high-speed” missile with a defensive missile. Esmaili’s comments follow the unveiling of new Artesh reconnaissance and radar systems in August 2017. (Defa Press)
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Defa PressIranian news outlet denies reported al Shabaab uranium sales to Iran.
Iranian media outlet Tabnak called the allegations that al Shabaab, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia, has taken control of Somali uranium mines in an effort to transport uranium to Iran as “baseless claims.” Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Yusuf Garaad Omar called on U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Stephen Schwartz to provide “immediate military assistance” on the matter in a letter dated August 11. (Tabnak)
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TabnakRaisi meets with Iraqi FM.
Former hardline presidential candidate Hojjat ol Eslam Ebrahim Raisi met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al Jafari in Mashhad on September 1. Raisi warned that if the “process of [Iraqi] national unity” does not continue, Iraq’s achievements against ISIS “will be destroyed and new threats… will come into existence.” Raisi’s comments are likely meant to reiterate the regime’s opposition to Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence referendum on September 25. Raisi continues to maintain a high political profile despite his loss to President Hassan Rouhani in the May presidential elections. Raisi is considered a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Mehr News Agency)
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Mehr News AgencyParliamentarian accuses U.S. of pressuring IAEA.
Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy (NSFP) Commission member Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh accused the U.S. of pressuring the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Falahatpisheh criticized the fact that Trump has pressured his administration officials to “come up with an excuse to declare Iran’s non-compliance” with the nuclear deal despite the fact that the IAEA and the UN Security Council declared Iran is in compliance. The IAEA announced on August 31 that Iran remains in compliance with the JCPOA its most recent quarterly report. (Mehr News Agency)
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Mehr News AgencyFrance proposes possible consultations supplementing the JCPOA.
French Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Agnes Romatet-Espagne indicated that France is open to “future consultations” supplementing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with its fellow P5+1 members and Iran. Romatet-Espagne stated that these negotiations could address Iran’s ballistic missile program, among other issues. This statement comes after U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley’s visit to the IAEA and President Donald Trump’s comments expressing interest in the U.S.’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal. France’s proposal regarding “future consultations” may be an attempt to address the Trump administration’s concerns about the JCPOA without the U.S. pulling out of the accord. (Reuters) (Alef)