Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 12, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Top News

Russia warns Iran nuclear deal in danger of ‘falling apart’

ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, gestured as he and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif while entering a hall for the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, gestured as he and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif while entering a hall for the talks in Moscow, Russia, Monday.

MOSCOW >> Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers is in danger of “falling apart” without the compliance of the United States and the European Union, Russia’s foreign minister warned Monday after meeting with his Iranian counterpart in Moscow.

The 2015 deal between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. The U.S. withdrew from the accord last year and imposed crippling economic sanctions that block Iran from selling crude oil abroad.

“Because of the destructive line that Washington keeps towing, this important achievement of international diplomacy… is in danger of falling apart,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, adding that “colleagues from the European Union” were not fully complying with the agreement either.

In response to the U.S. sanctions, Iran has pressured the European signatories to find a way to limit the impact on the Iranian economy. Tehran has slowly inched toward ceasing its own compliance with the terms of the deal. Last week, for example, the country began new operations at a heavy-water nuclear reactor.

Iran’s moves have been condemned by Western governments as unwelcome and escalating tensions in the region, while Russia and China have repeatedly blamed the U.S.

After meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday, Lavrov said Russia would demand full compliance from both the U.S. and the EU, in which case Iran would be able to return to fulfilling its obligations in accordance with the deal.

Otherwise, the agreement should be considered “no longer existing,” he said.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.