President Rouhani says Iran will stay in JCPOA
President Hassan Rouhani says Tehran will stay in the JCPOA with other signatories, stressing that Iran has always complied with its commitments to the deal, while the US has never complied with its requirements.
Rouhani made the remarks on Tuesday shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA.)
While stressing that Trumps decision was a historical experience for Iran, Rouhani noted that the US president has a history of undermining international treaties. Rouhani also noted that Iran would remain in the nuclear deal without the US’ presence.
Rouhani added that he has ordered the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) to be prepared for resuming nuclear enrichment at the industrial level.
“I have ordered AEOI to go ahead with adequate preparations to resume enrichment at the industrial level without any limit,” he said.
He further added that from now on everything depends on Iran’s national interests.
“Trump’s decision was the beginning of a psychological war against Iran, our heroic people will not be affected by this psychological attack,” said Rouhani.
Rouhani also noted that from now on the JCPOA is between Iran and the five remaining countries.
He further noted that the Iranian Foreign Ministry would be negotiating with European countries, Russia, and China in the coming weeks.
Zarif responds to US JCPOA departure
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Trump’s move, referring to it as “unlawful”, while adding that the outcome of further diplomatic efforts will determine Iran’s response.
“In response to US persistent violations & unlawful withdrawal from the nuclear deal, as instructed by President Rouhani, I’ll spearhead a diplomatic effort to examine whether remaining JCPOA participants can ensure its full benefits for Iran. Outcome will determine our response,” he tweeted.
The European Union, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany have expressed regret over Trump’s decision about the deal.
Iran has on numerous occasions asserted that its nuclear program is merely peaceful and not meant to make nukes.
