Iran Says Time Running Out for Europe to Preserve JCPOA

Addressing lawmakers in the Parliament on Sunday, Larijani said, “If Europe believes it has what it takes to preserve the nuclear agreement, it should announce its decision more explicitly and more quickly.”

According to Fars News Agency, he also referred to comments made by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei regarding the JCPOA, and said, “His warnings about the nuclear issue was not only significant for talks with Europe, but laid the groundwork for parts of the nuclear industry to become active.”

“The Leader’s orders were very timely and appropriate at this sensitive juncture. Mr [Ali-Akbar] Salehi, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization [of Iran], should act on those orders decisively, and [Parliament’s] National Security Commission should constantly follow up the issue to make sure the orders are carried out,” said Larijani.

He further touched upon Israel’s efforts to rally support for the US, saying Tel Aviv seeks to get Europe on board with pulling out from the JCPOA.

“With the terrorists having suffered a blow in Iraq and Syria, this adventurous regime seems to be going to create another crisis in the region to cover up some of the domestic and foreign problems Israel is facing,” he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani lashed out at recent comments by US President Donald Trump.

“The point is that they speak of imposing tough sanctions against Iran, and at the same time claim there is a need for a kind of new dialogue to settle issues,” said Larijani, dismissing the remarks as amateurish.