The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was concluded in Vienna on 14 July 2015, as a result of diplomatic efforts by the E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States, and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy). The JCPOA is designed to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful and provides for the comprehensive lifting of UN, EU and US nuclear-related sanctions. The JCPOA was unanimously endorsed by the Security Council in Resolution 2231 (2015) adopted on 20 July 2015.
The Implementation Day was reached on 16 January 2016, when the Security Council received the report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirming that Iran had taken a series of nuclear-related actions specified in paragraphs 15.1-15.11 of Annex V of the JCPOA. Transition Day will take place 8 years after Adoption Day (i.e. in 2023) or when the IAEA has reached the broader conclusion that all remaining nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful activities – whichever is earlier. This will trigger the lifting of the remaining nuclear-related sanctions, ballistic missile restrictions, and related designations. On Termination Day, which will occur ten years after Adoption Day (i.e. in 2025), remaining EU measures will be terminated, the Security Council will conclude consideration of the Iran nuclear issue and Resolution 2231 (2015) will be terminated.
Established under the JCPOA, the Joint Commission* consists of all members of the E3/EU+3 and Iran. It oversees the JCPOA implementation and addresses potential problems and disputes. The EU High Representative or his/her designated representative serves as the Coordinator of the Joint Commission and its respective working groups, which mostly meet in Vienna. On 8 May 2018, the President of the United States announced the withdrawal of the JCPOA. Therefore, as of 9 May, the United States does not participate in any JCPOA-related activities or meetings. Remarks by President Trump on the JCPOA can be found here.
The EU Delegation in Vienna ensures the smooth functioning of the JCPOA Procurement Working Group and conducts related outreach activities. The EU Delegation in Vienna facilitates discussions on statements to be delivered on behalf of all EU Member States at meetings of the IAEA Board of Governors. The Delegation also supports the implementation of civil nuclear cooperation activities with Iran under Annex III of the JCPOA. Furthermore, it hosts and/or supports the organisation of JCPOA-related meetings in Vienna, such as for example meetings of the Joint Commission.
* The Joint Commission:
joint_commission.pdf