US should stick to Iran nuclear deal: EU top diplomat

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini (R) and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson address journalists during a media conference at the EU Council building in Brussels on December 5, 2017. (Photo by AP)

The European Union foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, has warned of the adverse consequences of a possible US move to step away from the 2015 landmark nuclear deal, saying it would be counterproductive.

Speaking after a meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Brussels on Tuesday, Mogherini added that the EU attaches great importance to upholding the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, including the United States.

"I have reaffirmed the European Union view that continued implementation of the Iran nuclear deal is a key strategic priority for European security but also for regional and global security," she said.

Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China – plus Germany signed the nuclear agreement on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16, 2016.

Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran.

US President Donald Trump delivered an anti-Iran speech on October 13, in which he said he would not continue to certify Iran’s compliance with the terms of the JCPOA, reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, and warned that he might ultimately terminate the agreement.

So far, the Europeans have stood by the accord which they have described as a triumph for diplomacy and a contributor to regional and international security.


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