Iran: ‘We cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us’

Iran’s deputy foreign minister has stated that the country’s commitment to the landmark nuclear deal agreed on by world powers is permanent, but warned that it will withdraw if it sees no economic benefit.

Amidst constant claims by the United States’ that Iran intends for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to be implemented for a limited time only, Abbas Araqchi said today that “there is no sunset clause” and that “Iran’s commitment in the JCPOA not to go for the nuclear weapon is permanent.”

Read: Iranian president pledges to stick to nuclear deal commitments

Araqchi also pointed out the fact that many of the promises of openness and economic exchange that were made as part of the deal have not been fulfilled, warning that “if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us…That’s a fact.”

Araqchi’s comments come a day after Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the US will become an outsider in the international community if it withdraws from the nuclear deal and that “if the US breaks the deal unilaterally, Iran has measures that won’t please the Americans.”

Read: France says Iran’s missile programme must be put ‘under surveillance’

The nuclear deal was signed in 2015 under the Obama administration by the US, the UK, Russia, France, China and Germany, with the condition that if Iran dismantles its nuclear weapons programme and applies limits to its nuclear capabilities, then the numerous sanctions that have crippled its economy will be lifted and the country will be eligible to receive aid.

Since US President Donald Trump took office last year, he has constantly criticised the nuclear deal and threated to withdraw from it on numerous occasions.