Iran Appoints Reza Najafi as New UN Nuclear Watchdog Envoy

Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as its ambassador to Vienna-based organizations, replacing Mohsen Naziri-Asl. Najafi has prior experience during the JCPOA era, and amid ongoing nuclear negotiations, Iran faces scrutiny over its uranium enrichment and the stalled revival of the nuclear deal.

Iran has appointed Reza Najafi as its new ambassador and permanent representative to several international organizations in Vienna, including the United Nations nuclear watchdog. Najafi will take over from Mohsen Naziri-Asl, who held the position since 2022, according to reports from ISNA news agency.

Najafi is a former deputy foreign minister and previously served as the ambassador from 2013 to 2018. His earlier tenure coincided with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a significant nuclear agreement between Iran, the United States, and other world powers, under which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

The JCPOA unraveled following the United States’ withdrawal in 2018 during former President Donald Trump’s administration. While Iran maintained its commitments to the deal for a year post-withdrawal, it subsequently began to roll back its obligations. Trump reinstated a strict sanctions policy, alleging that Iran was pursuing nuclear weapons capability, claims which Iran has consistently denied.

Efforts to revive the JCPOA have stalled, even though Iran has expressed willingness to renegotiate. Recently, UN atomic agency head Rafael Grossi noted that Iran is enriching uranium at nearly weapon-grade levels, deeming the 2015 agreement as an “empty shell”. Additionally, Trump has suggested negotiating a new deal, but Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has asserted that engaging in negotiations with America will not resolve any issues.

The appointment of Reza Najafi as Iran’s new ambassador to international organizations in Vienna comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. His prior experience during the JCPOA period may play a crucial role as Iran navigates its complex relationship with the United States and the international community. Despite desires for negotiations, the prospects for meaningful dialogue remain uncertain and fraught with challenges.

Original Source: www.dawn.com