In a 2024 statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the ongoing debate surrounding the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). His remarks pointed to a broader international controversy that has persisted since the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018.
Putin argued that Iran had been in full compliance with the JCPOA prior to the U.S. exit, and he questioned the logic of expecting Iran to uphold its obligations under the deal after one of its key signatories, namely, the United States, had formally abandoned it. “Iran did not pull out of the agreement, the US did,” he emphasized. His criticism extended to European nations, who, despite remaining within the framework of the JCPOA, continued to press Iran to comply fully with the terms of the deal.
The U.S. decision to exit the agreement was made during President Donald Trump’s administration, which cited concerns over Iran’s regional behavior and the limitations of the deal’s sunset clauses. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had repeatedly verified Iran’s compliance with the terms of the agreement prior to the U.S. withdrawal.
Following the U.S. exit, Iran began reducing its compliance with certain aspects of the deal, citing the failure of the remaining signatories, particularly the European parties, to effectively shield its economy from U.S. sanctions.
This ongoing standoff raises fundamental questions about the nature of multilateral agreements: Can one party exit a deal while expecting others to abide by its terms? And to what extent can remaining signatories preserve the agreement’s integrity when enforcement mechanisms are compromised?
Putin’s comments reflect a widely held view among critics of the U.S. withdrawal, that the deal’s unraveling was not due to Iranian noncompliance, but to a breakdown in international diplomatic coherence. As the global community considers the future of non-proliferation and multilateralism, the legacy of the JCPOA continues to offer lessons on the fragility of international commitments in an era of shifting political priorities.
If you think my voice should be heard louder then PLEASE support by becoming a paid subscriber. I have minimal overheads, no sponsors to sell myself or soul to, no bosses who tell me what to write (or NOT write), or staff I have to pay. I’m here for your raw, straight, and dedicated analyses. Your support is appreciated. Thank you.
buymeacoffee.com/ggtv
Share this post