The European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran are likely to put down a resolution condemning Tehran’s decision to restrict the UN atomic watchdog’s ability to inspect its nuclear sites.
The resolution is expected to be proposed by France, Germany and the UK at a meeting later this week of the International Atomic Energy Agency and will be backed by the US, AFP reported.
Iran suspended some inspections last month because the administration of US President Joe Biden has refused to lift sanctions imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump.
A last-minute interim agreement between Tehran and the IAEA is supposed to mitigate the impact.
But Iran has said the introduction of the E3's resolution would lead it to abandon the temporary deal.
The IAEA appealed for its access to the nuclear facilities not to be used as a bargaining chip.
It came as the EU said diplomacy needed to be given time after Iran rejected an invitation for informal talks with the US and European powers over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
Peter Stano, an EU foreign policy spokesman, said the aim remained ensuring the full implementation of the 2015 nuclear accord, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
He said the EU’s foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, as co-ordinator of the JCPoA, was ready to convene all signatories of the deal for consultations “when the time is right”.
“Diplomacy needs to be given time and space, and this is what we are engaged in,” said Mr Stano.
A UK Government spokesman said: "Our priority is to work with the parties of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the new US administration to find a diplomatic way forward that realises the benefits of the deal.
"It is unfortunate that Iran has declined an informal JCPoA meeting this week with the US, and we are consulting partners on next steps.”
On Sunday, Iran ruled out a meeting with all the JCPoA’s signatories, citing “recent actions and statements” by the US, Britain, France and Germany.
Iran’s recent repeated breaches of the JCPoA, which have seen it take another step towards being able to develop a nuclear weapon, have been condemned.
"The inspection work of the IAEA must be preserved … (it) should not be put in the middle of a negotiating table as a bargaining chip," said Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director general.
Mr Grossi refused to be drawn on the utility of the critical resolution by the three European powers.
"My appeal to all is to have constructive discussions and to preserve the work of the agency," he said.
The 2015 accord has been close to collapse since Mr Trump withdrew the US in 2018 and reimposed sanctions as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.
"Considering the recent positions and actions of the United States and the three European countries, Iran does not consider the time suitable to hold the informal meeting proposed by the European co-ordinator", Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said.
He said there had still been "no change in the US positions and behaviour".
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
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The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Asian Cup 2019
Quarter-final
UAE v Australia, Friday, 8pm, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
