Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javid Zarif on Sunday warned European countries of consequences if they do not normalize economic relations with Iran as part of the international accord curbing its nuclear program.
“The responsibility of the Europeans and other signatories to the nuclear deal is to normalize the condition for Iran’s economic activities,” Zarif was quoted saying by Iran’s official IRNA news agency.
He did not specify what retaliatory measures Iran would employ, but noted the 60-day deadline it issued last month on the anniversary of US President Donald Trump’s pullout from the nuclear deal and reimposition of sanctions. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said then that Iran would enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if the agreement’s European signatories did not grant it sanctions relief in defiance of the United States.
“It is a matter of [the] Islamic Republic of Iran’s plan. We announced our plan by saying that we would do so during the first 60 days, and will take other measures within the next 60 days, and then the following steps will be decided,” Zarif said.
“We will decide proportionate to what they do,” he added.
He also said Europe was not in a position to criticize Iran over non-nuclear issues, appearing to refer to concerns over Tehran’s missile program and backing for armed groups in the Middle East.
In addition to China and Russia, both allies of Iran, the remaining signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal are the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The three countries have reiterated their continued support for the accord, while also criticizing Iran over its missile work and activities in the region. READ MORE
