The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between UK, China, France, Germany, Russia, the US, the European Union and Iran in July 2015, is "at a crossroads" after Washington's decision to withdraw from the agreement, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN under-secretary-general for political affairs, said.
Addressing the 15-nation Security Council on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' fifth report on the implementation of the council's resolution endorsing the JCPOA, DiCarlo said since the agreement came into effect on Jan. 16, 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency had consistently reported that Iran was abiding by its commitments.
She expressed the secretary-general's deep regret at the US' withdrawal, describing the JCPOA as an important achievement in the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and a great contribution to regional and global peace and security.
Resolution 2231 calls for full implementation of the deal by all parties and the support of regional and international institutions, the UN chief stressed.
DiCarlo further said the UN chief has maintained that issues not directly related to the nuclear deal should be considered independently from the JCPOA and its achievements.
On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to quit the landmark nuclear deal and vowed to re-impose sanctions on Tehran, triggering global criticism.
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