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Dear Madam Chairperson,

We are grateful to the leadership of the IAEA Secretariat for their professional approach in preparing the reports on Verification and monitoring in Iran in light of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).

Russia is firmly committed to the implementation of the JCPOA in full, without exemptions, and without any add-ons. We note the fact that Iran has taken yet another step in renouncing its obligations under the Plan of Action. We understand that this is a predictable and forced reaction by Tehran to the lack of practical progress in restoring balance between the nuclear and financial components of the JCPOA. These measures go beyond the "nuclear deal", but they do not represent any risk in terms of proliferation, and are completely reversible in the event of a political solution. It is important that Iran continues to cooperate fully with the IAEA Secretariat, which is a key condition for confirming the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. We call on Iran to refrain from taking further steps that could escalate the situation. We call on all other members of the JCPOA to show reasonable restraint and political will to find mutually acceptable solutions.

The current situation around the "nuclear deal" is a direct consequence of the destructive steps of the United States, which not only withdrew from the agreement that was approved by the UN Security Council, but also tries to prohibit other states, including Iran, from implementing it. It is clear that this line to undermine the JCPOA forced Iranians to partially suspend some of its voluntary commitments. The Plan of Action was based on a very delicate balance of interests, commitments and compromises that had been undermined. American colleagues strangely believe that only the part of the deal that imposes restrictions on Iran should be implemented. And even as Iranians were strictly abiding by their commitments, Washington rewarded Tehran with new undue sanctions.

We see a clear desire from the U.S. to provoke Iran into violating its non-proliferation obligations and undermining cooperation with the IAEA to justify a possible military scenario that would be disastrous for the entire region. Attempts to impose an oil embargo against Iran under flimsy pretexts have already caused aggravation in the Persian Gulf region, and have negatively affected the entire system of international security. We call on Washington to revise its line and as a first step to return to the situation before the waivers for sale of Iranian oil were canceled in May.

We welcome the French initiatives aimed at restoring balance of the JCPOA. We intend to continue working together with the remaining participants of the "nuclear deal" to find mutually acceptable solutions to the problems in the framework of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA.

Thank you, Madam Chairpesron.