US Media Reports Russia’s Plan to Extend Resolution 2231

According to the ⁤Wall street Journal, Russia has presented a ‌draft to the Security Council seeking to ⁢extend Resolution‌ 2231, which is set to expire this October.

Lawrence Norman, a Wall Street Journal reporter, wrote on his social media⁢ account X that⁢ Russia’s proposed text includes a​ clause stating that with the extension of the resolution,‍ future use ⁣of the automatic sanctions snapback mechanism will no longer be possible.

Norman added⁤ that including‍ this clause could ⁢undermine the trust of ‍the three European countries in moscow’s intentions.

He quoted part of Russia’s text: “It is decided that during the extended period,any substantive review regarding implementation of Resolution 2231⁢ and the JCPOA will be suspended.”

The reporter noted that this wording effectively suspends activation of‍ snapback sanctions and related discussions during the extension. However, he acknowledged⁢ his interpretation might be incorrect and welcomed views from other experts.

In response to Norman,Richard Nephew-the architect of Iran sanctions-said: “Your ​reading makes sense,even though two scenarios are possible; either an extension with negative intent or ‍one ⁢with positive intent but weak drafting.”

Nephew also ⁢proposed another possibility:​ Russia might ⁢meen “the snapback mechanism is put aside during ‌the extension period but can be reactivated afterwards.”

This would imply several months when sanctions cannot be‍ triggered ​but resume once this period ends.

He​ stressed such an approach poses risks because Iran could take actions⁣ violating the JCPOA ​without immediate consequences during that time.

Nephew wrote: “If ‍I were European negotiators,I⁤ wouldn’t accept such a proposal. It’s unnecessary. Why enter​ into⁣ ambiguous arrangements when direct and transparent extensions are available?”