Negotiations in Vienna over a possible return to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement are proceeding slowly despite signs of progress in late December, France’s foreign minister said on Tuesday.
“They are slow, too slow and that creates a gap that jeopardizes the chance of finding a solution that respects the interests of all sides,” said Jean-Yves le Drian, according to Reuters.
In December, U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley warned that given the pace of Iran’s nuclear program, there are only “weeks left, but not much more” to revive the JCPOA.
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid raised the subject of the talks during a discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week. According to a statement from Lapid’s office, he reiterated Israel’s demand that pressure on Tehran be stepped up.
During a meeting with the French leader in November, Lapid stated that only a “credible military threat” would stop Iran from continuing its race to a nuclear weapon. Lapid also emphasized “the immediate need for the strengthening of international sanctions [against Iran], and … the urgent need for a Plan B” should the talks collapse.