WEB DESK
Several countries have reacted quickly over Donald Trump withdrew US from Iran nuclear deal. Germany, France, the UK and the EU called on Iran to stay committed to the accord after Donald Trump said the US would withdraw, while Trump’s Middle Eastern allies praised his decision.
Germany, France and the UK remain committed to upholding the Iran nuclear deal after US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to withdraw the United States from the accord, a joint statement provided by British Prime Minister Theresa May’s office on Tuesday read.
In the statement, the three countries requested the US not obstruct other nations as they attempt to implement the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). They also urged Iran to “show restraint” and continue fulfilling its own obligations.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that he was deeply concerned regarding withdrawal of US from the deal and urged the remaining parties of the deal to abide by their commitments.
European Union’s diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini has said that the EU is determined to preserve the Iran nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal. She said that EU will remain committed to the deal as long as Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments.
Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s foreign policy chief who helps supervise the way Iran and the six world powers implement the deal and settle any disputes, also reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to the deal.
“The European Union is determined to act in accordance with its security interests and to protect its economic investments,” she told reporters in Rome. In a message directed at Iran, Mogherini said: “Do not let anyone dismantle this agreement. It is one of the biggest achievements diplomacy has ever delivered, and we have built this together.”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would remain in the international accord, but said that in “exiting the deal, America has officially undermined its commitment to an international treaty.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong support for US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. A regional rival of Iran and longtime US ally Saudi Arabia said that it supports Trump’s decision.
The historic nuclear deal was reached in Vienna in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council US, UK, France, China and Russia along with Germany and the European Union.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action curbed Iran’s nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions that had been imposed by the UN, US and EU. The deal was signature foreign policy achievement of former US President Barack Obama but repeatedly criticised by incumbent President Donald Trump.
Mr Trump has alleged that the deal gave Iran millions in cash and did not prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The withdrawal also fulfils one of Mr Trump’s election campaign promises.
US President has warned that any nation which helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons will face strong sanctions by the United States.
US politicians too divided
Congressional leaders in the United States are split on Trump’s decision from the Iran nuclear deal. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Iran deal was a “deeply flawed agreement” and shares Trump’s commitment that “Iran should never be able to acquire or develop a nuclear weapon.”
Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, hailed Trump’s decision, saying that “from the beginning, the Obama-era Iran deal was deeply flawed.”
Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it appears the Trump administration has no plan going forward. Additionally, Bob Menendez, a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said the withdrawal “makes it more likely Iran will restart its nuclear weapons program.”