“By exiting the [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action], the United States violated the agreement and the principle of good faith. America should demonstrate its goodwill and determination,” Raisi said. “America must build trust to demonstrate its good intentions and genuine willingness to fulfill its commitments and conclude the path.”
Former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA that his predecessor Barack Obama signed in 2015, arguing that it was too soft on Tehran, and instead pursued a “maximum pressure” sanctions policy. Iran has since accelerated its enrichment of uranium significantly in violation of the JCPOA.
Trump’s successor Joe Biden vowed to revive the deal but his administration maintains that Iran has hardened its stance while also selling drones to Russia, which Moscow is using against Ukraine — a development that has led Washington to conclude that a return to the JCPOA is not currently feasible.
Also during his Tuesday speech, Raisi accused the US of worsening the Ukraine war but insisted that Tehran would back a peace settlement. READ MORE