The Foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, whose country hosted the negotiations for a nuclear agreement with Iran as well as the discussions to revive the agreement in the past two years, estimated today (Wednesday) that there is no longer a chance for a renewed nuclear agreement with Iran.
"Austria was the most enthusiastic supporter of achieving the nuclear agreement," says Schallenberg, "we hosted the talks in Vienna.
Even last summer there was hope that an agreement would be reached.
I am afraid that the window of opportunity for this agreement has closed, that there is no longer any possibility of reaching an agreement, especially with the current regime in view of the steps it is taking now.
Reaching an agreement could have been positive, since the alternative is a nuclear arms race in the Gulf region.
It can't be good.
But, now we must send a clear message: we cannot accept the developments in Iran.'
Difficulties in progress, the nuclear talks, photo: AFP
Schallenberg expressed severe criticism of the suppression of the popular demonstrations against the Iranian regime, the public executions of demonstrators and the supply of Iranian drones to Russia for the needs of the war in Ukraine.
The supply of drones constitutes, according to him, Iranian support for the violation of international law and makes Iran an indirect accomplice in the commission of war crimes.
Iran's ambassador to Austria was summoned this week for a reprimand at the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Schallenberg emphasized that the European Union is expected to impose additional sanctions on Iran at the Union summit to be held in two weeks.
"The political and social developments in Iran are moving completely in the wrong direction," added the Austrian minister, who noted that his country had previously maintained open communication channels with the Iranian people even during the most difficult periods of the Islamic regime, in the 80s and 90s.
However, he stated, in view of the recent developments, Austria - despite being a neutral country - considers itself obligated to respond.
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