Iran Asserts It Will Not Be the First to Violate Nuclear Agreement, Reports Reuters

By Parisa Hafezi and Yara Bayoumy

UNITED NATIONS – Iran stated on Wednesday that it would not be the first country to breach the nuclear agreement and expressed skepticism regarding the United States’ potential departure from the accord despite President Donald Trump’s strong criticisms.

Trump described the 2015 international agreement as "an embarrassment" and indicated he had reached a conclusion about the pact but chose not to reveal his decision publicly.

During the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani forcefully addressed Trump’s confrontational speech, asserting that Iran would not be intimidated by a newcomer to global politics. However, he emphasized that Iran aimed to uphold its agreement with six world powers, under which Tehran consented to limit its nuclear program for at least a decade in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions.

"I declare before you that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to violate the agreement," stated Rouhani, who added that Iran would respond "decisively and resolutely" if any party were to violate it. He remarked that it would be unfortunate if the agreement were compromised by "rogue" political newcomers, subtly criticizing Trump, who had earlier labeled Iran as a "rogue" state.

In a later statement to reporters, Rouhani expressed his belief that the U.S. would not withdraw from the nuclear deal despite the harsh rhetoric from Trump. He emphasized that any nation that chose to exit the agreement would face isolation and embarrassment.

Trump, a business mogul and former reality TV star, mentioned to reporters, "I have decided," when asked about his thoughts on the agreement, but he did not indicate what that decision entailed.

U.S. officials have presented conflicting messages regarding the nuclear deal, which Iran reached with six major powers, including countries from Europe and Asia. On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley indicated that Trump’s speech reflected discontent but did not signal an imminent withdrawal from the agreement. "It’s not a clear signal that he plans to withdraw. What it is is a clear signal that he’s not happy with the deal," she conveyed.

The Republican president suggested on Tuesday that he might not recertify the agreement, initially negotiated by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama. "I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it," he hinted.

Trump faces a deadline of October 15 to determine whether to certify Iran’s compliance with the deal, a decision that has the potential to jeopardize the agreement. If he opts not to certify, Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to reinstate the sanctions that were lifted under the pact.

Clarity on the U.S. position may emerge on Wednesday during a meeting of the seven parties involved in the agreement, which will mark the first occasion that U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif share the same space.

The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards previously indicated that the U.S. should expect "painful responses" in light of Trump’s critical remarks.

Concerns regarding the potential U.S. withdrawal from the agreement linger among some of its negotiation partners, especially as the global community addresses North Korea’s advancements in nuclear and missile technology. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that it would be a mistake to abandon the pact, affirming that the 2015 agreement was effective.

Russia has also expressed concern over Trump’s questioning of the deal, as noted by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir indicated that his country, a significant rival of Iran, supports strengthening the pact rather than abandoning it, urging Iran to adhere to its terms.

"We believe that it must be strictly reinforced. Iran has not lived up to the terms of the agreement," Jubeir stated, calling for the international community to ensure Iran’s compliance.