Iran's chief nuclear negotiator says it will not be appropriate within the framework of national interests if Majlis (Parliament) intends to ratify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers.
Speaking in a televised program on Monday night, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, 'Prior to deciding on the procedure of submitting JCPOA to Majlis, one should answer the question whether it needs its approval or not. If yes, then it should be decided how Majlis can approve it.'
He referred to Article 77 of the Constitution which stipulates treaties have to be ratified by Majlis and added, 'It should be studied whether JCPOA is one of such treaties.'
'When a case is deferred to the Supreme National Security Council, it moves out of Majlis capacity. The nuclear issue has been reviewed by the council for the past 12 years.'
Saying that there are differing legal approaches on the nuclear agreement, he said some hold that because JCPOA is not a treaty, it does not need ratification by Majlis.
In our view, Araqchi added, the approach that does not regard JCPOA as a treaty, but a set of voluntary actions, and does not need approval of Majlis is stronger.
'In addition to the two legal views, there is also a political view held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which looks at the issue of JCPOA approval by Majlis from the national interests perspective.'
On the US Senate hearings on JCPOA, he added, 'They are not over ratification of JCPOA, rather to reject the deal. 'If rejected, it will be vetoed by US president. JCPOA will not become a bill.'
'Is it appropriate that Majlis turns a set of voluntary actions to statuary law and makes them binding for government?' he asked saying that Foreign Ministy can not take the decision and only passes its view in this regard.