Rouhani: Hitting the JCPOA is a Blow to Global Security and Stability

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's speech, stated that striking the nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is a "blow to the security and stability of the region and the world." He emphasized that the current "sensitive conditions" affect not only Iran and the P5+1 but have repercussions for the entire region and the world, noting that the JCPOA has brought more peace to the world and the region. Rouhani expressed hope that the European Union would "stand against incorrect actions that disrupt peace and international cooperation." He also stated that "breaking the negotiation table is not an art, and the foundations for resolving global disputes should be strengthened through dialogue." Following Trump's speech, Rouhani warned that if Iran's interests in the Vienna nuclear agreement are not met and the other party takes action regarding this agreement, the Islamic Republic would "not hesitate for a moment and will respond." He reiterated that as long as the opposing parties remain committed to the JCPOA, Iran would also adhere to it. Trump announced on Friday that based on credible information, he could not certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement. Following Trump's declaration of Iran's non-compliance with the JCPOA, the U.S. Congress will have 60 days to decide on imposing new sanctions on Iran. In response to Trump's strategy, leaders from Germany, France, and Britain issued a joint statement warning against actions that could harm the nuclear agreement, including the re-imposition of sanctions. Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that ending the JCPOA is not dependent on one country's decision and emphasized the need for a collective process to preserve the agreement. Meanwhile, Lars Nordrum, Norway's new ambassador to Tehran, announced during a meeting with Rouhani that Norwegian companies consider the Vienna nuclear agreement "very seriously and view it as an opportunity for establishing close cooperation with Iran." He also mentioned that the Norwegian government recently approved a "government guarantee of one billion euros" for Iran. Trump also criticized the behavior of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the region and beyond, allowing the Treasury Department to add this entity to its sanctions list. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that "today all Iranians, men and women, young and old, are part of the IRGC and stand firmly with those defending us and the region against aggression and terrorism." While Iranian officials speak of the IRGC's fight against terrorism, U.S. officials have labeled the actions of this entity in the region as "destabilizing." Trump stated that the U.S. would work with its allies to counter Iran's destabilizing actions in the region and its support for proxy terrorists. In response, the head of Iran's Expediency Council stated that "Trump's rude accusations against the IRGC stem from the anger of the global arrogance leaders." Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi described Trump's statements as "baseless accusations" and added that "we should not give a reason to the unbalanced and irrational U.S. President." Trump has repeatedly stated that the Islamic Republic has not adhered to the "spirit of the nuclear agreement" by continuing its missile activities, which are meant to alleviate Western concerns about Iran's threats. He emphasized that the Iranian people have paid a heavy price due to their leaders' behavior and expressed hope that new measures would lead to a reconsideration of Iran's behavior and also to peace and stability in the region.