Hassan Rouhani Warns America About Possible Withdrawal from JCPOA

On Tuesday, April 23, the President of Iran warned Washington that if the nuclear agreement is canceled, it must accept the "severe consequences" of such an action. Hassan Rouhani, who was visiting East Azerbaijan Province, addressed a gathering of people in Tabriz, referring to Donald Trump's threats regarding a potential withdrawal from the JCPOA, stating: "Those sitting in the White House, whether they adhere to their commitments or not, whether they respect their civilization or not, whether they adhere to their humanity or not, the great nation of Iran will confront any of their plots and will stand against them with strength." He further added: "No one can take hope for the future away from our nation. We stand by our commitments more powerfully than ever, but if anyone wants to betray our agreement, they must know that the severe consequences will befall them." The President of the United States, who has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the nuclear deal reached by then-President Barack Obama with Iran during his election campaign, is demanding amendments to certain aspects of the JCPOA. He has warned the three powerful European countries that are parties to the JCPOA that if these amendments are not implemented, he will not extend the lifting of sanctions on Iran, which has been interpreted as a withdrawal from the JCPOA. However, Rouhani emphasized in his remarks on Tuesday that Iran is prepared for any scenario in this regard. He stated: "The nation and government of Iran have planned for all different stages against them. We will not face any problems, and if we do, we will solve it with the sufficient hands of the Iranian people." In recent months, the U.S. has held negotiations with European powers regarding the amendments desired by Trump to the nuclear agreement. These amendments include Iran's missile program. Washington believes that the ballistic missile program and the nuclear weapons program are inseparable, and Iran's project for producing and testing ballistic missiles should be sanctioned. The Trump administration also states that Iran must allow immediate inspections of all locations named by international inspectors. Finally, another issue that Washington wants to amend in the nuclear agreement is the "sunset clause." According to the "sunset clause," Iran can increase its uranium enrichment centrifuges after 10 years and can also increase its stock of less-enriched uranium after 15 years. However, Trump has emphasized that his policy is "to prevent all pathways for Iran to access nuclear weapons, not just for ten years but forever."