Iran Nuclear Chief:

All Options on Table in Case of US Withdrawal from JCPOA

TEHRAN (defapress) – The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) warned that the Islamic Republic will keep all options on the table if Washington withdraws from the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

News ID: 65511

Date: 08 August 2017 - 17:42

Speaking to the Arabic-language Al Mayadeen TV network, Ali Akbar Salehi said in case the US pulls out of the JCPOA, it would be responsible for any repercussions.

"If the US withdraws from the JCPOA, all of Iran’s options would be on the table,” the nuclear chief stressed.

Tehran’s reaction hinges on Washington’s behavior, he said, adding, however, that the US is unlikely to drop out of the nuclear agreement because such a move would be to its detriment.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said the United States’ dream for dismantling the JCPOA at the expense of Iran will not become a reality.

The Islamic Republic will not be the first to violate the JCPOA, Qassemi told reporters, adding, "But we will remain vigilant and take all necessary measures if the US breaches the deal.”

Since the historic deal was signed in Vienna in July 2015, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed the Islamic Republic’s compliance with its commitments under the JCPOA, but some other parties, especially the US, have failed to live up to their undertakings.