Iran Calls on Western Countries to Give Firm Assurances on JCPOA Implementation

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi in a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Ryabkov underlined that Tehran's commitment to the nuclear agreement it has signed with the world powers depends on the other signatories' promises to make up for the US exit.

News ID: 70120

Date: 11 May 2018 - 19:27

TEHRAN (Defapress)- "On the condition that other parties of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action offer Iran their firm assurances that Iran’s interests will be met and the damage caused by US pullout will be compensated, then it is possible to keep the JCPOA alive,” Araqchi said during the meeting on Thursday.

During the meeting, Araqchi and Ryabkov discussed the latest status of the JCPOA after the US withdrawal from the agreement. US unilateral pullout from the nuclear deal and how to continue the agreement after US exit were discussed by both sides.

Ryabkov, for his part, expressed regret over the US move, and said, "I assure you that Russia will stay in the agreement with full commitment and will do its best to preserve the deal in cooperation with other sides to the agreement."

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US will no longer remain part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 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, President Rouhani said he has ordered his atomic chief to stay on alert to resume suspended nuclear activities, stressing that Tehran will stay in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with other signatories if only other parties to the deal ensure all its interests and economic merits.

While stressing that Trump's 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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