Iran warns it will take ‘stronger step’ away from nuclear pact if Europe doesn’t act

Iran warned Monday that it will take a “stronger step” to reduce its commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal if the European signatories don’t act, Reuters reported.

“Iran is prepared for reducing its commitments if the European parties do not show enough determination … The third step has been designed and will be stronger than the first and second steps to create balance between Iran’s rights and commitments to the JCPOA,” state news agency IRNA quoted spokesman Abbas Mousavi as saying.

{mosads}Iran scaled back its commitments under the nuclear deal earlier this summer by amassing more low-enriched uranium than the pact permits and beginning to enrich uranium above the threshold agreed to in 2015.

The agreement promised sanctions relief for Tehran in exchange for curbs to its nuclear program.

While President Trump withdrew from the agreement and imposed sanctions last year, European nations have continued to negotiate with Iran.

Iran’s government spokesman said Monday that Iran and France’s views on the deal have moved closer ahead of the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs’ visit to Paris.

“Fortunately the points of views have become closer on many issues and now technical discussions are being held on ways to carry out the Europeans’ commitments (in the nuclear deal),” the spokesman, Ali Rabiei, said in remarks carried by state television, per Reuters.

“If Tehran’s satisfaction has not been guaranteed about the realizations of commitments (by Europe) by the set deadline, we will take a strong step to reduce commitments,” he warned.