“European countries need to stand against Washington’s unilateral and arbitrary decisions and this way show their sovereignty, help stop human rights violations (by the US), and promote peace and security in the world,” Amir Abdollahian said on Tuesday during a meeting with French ambassador to Tehran Philippe Thiebaud.
He further lashed out at Britain, France, and Germany for failing to honor their commitments under the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Tensions have been running high between Tehran and Washington since 2018 when US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the JCPOA and unleashed the “toughest ever” sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
The European parties to the nuclear deal have since been trying to convince Iran to remain in the pact by promising to shield its economic interests from US sanctions.
In May 2019, a year after the US’ exit, Tehran began reducing its commitments under the JCPOA on a stage-by-stage basis in response to Washington’s pullout and the ensuing European failure to make up for America’s absence.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian official said the enhancement of parliamentarian ties between Tehran and Paris could play a key role in increasing bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Islamic Republic of Iran expects France not to allow enemies to damage age-old ties between the two nations, Amir Abdollahian added.
Thiebaud, for his part, welcomed Iran’s willingness to expand parliamentarian ties between the two countries.