Rouhani Says It’s Possible To Save Iran Nuclear Deal Without US

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Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that survival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is possible without the United States, but impossible without ensuring Iran’s interests.

“Tehran’s interests in the JCPOA must be clearly and precisely guaranteed and until Iran’s interests are guaranteed, it will stay committed to it,” President Hassan Rouhani said during a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks ways to secure its national interests by staying committed to the JCPOA, but unfortunately, the other sides have not had a good performance in living up to their commitments.”

According to official website of the President, Rouhani also referred to the role of the United Kingdom in nuclear talks since 2003 until the deal was struck as a win-win solution, and described the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA as illegal, irresponsible and against Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Stating that the European Union has a limited time to save the deal and guarantee Iran’s interests, the President added, “Iran’s interests in important issues related to the JCPOA such as selling oil, gas and petrochemicals, as well as banking relations and investment must be clearly determined and secured.”

Rouhani also referred to the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Iran and European Union foreign policy chief on Tuesday and expressed the hope that the meeting would secure Tehran’s interests by saving the JCPOA.

Describing the nuclear deal very important for peace and security of the region, he stressed that the US was responsible for the consequences of anything that happens to the JCPOA.

“In the JCPOA, the two parties have obligations and it is not acceptable that only one party lives up to its commitments,” Rouhani added.

He also referred to the significant role of the three European countries in saving the JCPOA and described Europe’s stances against US’ secondary sanctions a brave move that could maintain Europe’s position and global credit.

Protecting security of the Middle East and the world is important for Iran, the President said, adding, “All countries must help to guarantee security in this region.”

He then referred to the situation in Yemen and expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate with the UN and European countries to promote peace and security in the country.

“The Yemen crisis does not have a military solution and it is everybody’s duty to help stop killing of the innocent people of Yemen.”

May, for her part, appreciated Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA and said, “The ultimate goal of the European Union is to protect the JCPOA and we will do our best to cooperate with our European partners to save it and secure Iran’s interests.”

She also referred to the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers of the three European countries and EU foreign policy chief with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran in Brussels and said, “In this meeting, European countries have prepared a set of suggestions to save the JCPOA.”

As the EU has announced in its statement, it considers Iran a committed and reliable partner, she said, adding, “Therefore, it is very important that all parties to the deal try to save it.”

Tasnim News Agency

Tasnim News Agency, which claims to be a private news agency in Iran but is reported be close to the IRGC, was launched in 2012. Its purpose is to cover a variety of political, social, economic and international subjects along with other fields.

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