Iranian Parliament Prepares Bill to Require Gov't to Reciprocate US Abrogation of N. Deal

The Iranian parliament has prepared a double-urgency bill which necessitates the government to receive strong guarantees from the European members of the Group 5+1 to pave the ground for Tehran to benefit from the 2015 nuclear deal, one day after the US withdrew from the agreement.

News ID: 70085

Date: 09 May 2018 - 17:12

TEHRAN (Defapress)- "The bill requires the government to take necessary ensurances from the Europeans and the Group 5+1, except the US, and of course, the guarantees should be complete, comprehensive and strong," Chairman of the parliament's Nuclear Committee Mojtaba Zonnour told FNA on Wednesday.

He noted that talks with the Europeans should not last more than one month, adding that if they fail to provide the necessary guarantees, the government is required to resume a full enrichment program at maximum capacity.

"It means that we have required the government to increase uranium enrichment to reach a capacity of 190,000 SWUs (Separative Work Units)," Zonnour said, adding that the government is also required to produce as much enriched uranium as the country needs.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his country will no longer remain part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and promised to re-impose the highest level of economic sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran's development of its nuclear program.

After Trump's declaration, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he has ordered his atomic chief to stay on alert to resume suspended nuclear activities, stressing that Tehran will stay in the JCPOA with other signatories if only other parties to the deal ensure all its interests and economic merits.

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 for the next few weeks to see results of negotiations with Europeans.

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, but stressed that Iran would stay under the deal if all its interests are met.

He further noted that the Iranian Foreign Ministry would be negotiating with European countries, Russia, and China in the coming weeks.

Also, 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 and 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.

"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, Britain 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.

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