Iran may withdraw from nuclear deal if gets no benefits: Araqchi

Iran says it could withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal if the “atmosphere of uncertainty” created by the new US administration continues to prevent Tehran from reaping the benefits of the multilateral accord, particularly in the business and banking sectors.

According to Press TV, speaking at Britain’s Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized US President Donald Trump over his threat to stop waiving anti-Iran sanctions, a US commitment under known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us,” he said. “Trump has created an atmosphere of uncertainty which is like a poison for the business community in working with Iran.”

Araqchi further said, “The deal would not survive this way even if the ultimatum is passed and waivers are extended.”

The Iranian official rejected Washington’s interpretation of the "sunset" clause in the JCPOA as wrong.

“There is no sunset clause in the JCPOA. Although the US administration and Trump are talking about sunset clause and that JCPOA is just for 10 years, that is not true,” he said. “Iran’s commitment in the JCPOA not to go for the nuclear weapons is permanent.”

SS