John Brady
Ceist:108. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response by Ireland to attempts by the United States of America to reimpose sanctions on Iran. [28451/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 October 2020
Ceisteanna (108)
Freagraí scríofa
In recent months, the United States have taken a number of different steps to reimpose sanctions on Iran.
In August, the US announced its intention to impose "snapback" of UN sanctions against Iran, in response to Iran's breaches of the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA. The US asserted that this triggered a 30 day period for reimposition of UN sanctions.
However, I note that the US announced its withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018. President Trump’s memorandum of 8 May 2018 formalised this position, and since then, the United States Government has consistently taken steps to end its participation in the JCPOA. Consequently, the US is no longer a “JCPOA participant state.” Accordingly, the US triggering of snapback is incapable of having legal effect.
It also flows from this that any actions or outcomes based on the US declaration of “snapback” would also be devoid of legal effect. This is a view shared by all the remaining participants in the agreement, the EU, and the majority of the Members of the Security Council.
The UN Secretary General also wrote to the President of the Security Council to note that he was not in a position to take any action on the US notification.
In addition to its approach at the UN, the US has is also imposing unilateral sanctions on Iran. This is a sovereign decision for the US. However, we are concerned by the unilateral imposition of sanctions, which could harm efforts to preserve the JCPOA, and ultimately damage peace and stability in the region.
Ireland remains committed to the JCPOA, which remains the best available mechanism for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Ireland is deeply concerned by Iranian breaches of the JCPOA, and calls on it to come swiftly back into full compliance with the agreement. We will continue to work with partners to preserve and advance the agreement.