China reiterated on Tuesday that maximum pressure from the U.S. is the root of the current tension in the Iranian nuclear situation.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday, Iran has reportedly exceeded the uranium enrichment limit under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as 2015 nuclear deal.
China regrets the measures taken by the Iranian side, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang responded at the daily briefing.
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Bushehr nuclear reactor, 1,200 km south of Tehran, August 21, 2010. /Reuters Photo
He noted during the meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission on June 28, all parties reiterated their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the agreement.
The Iranian side also emphasized its willingness to remain in the agreement and the measures taken by the Iranian side are reversible, Geng added.
The spokesperson called on all parties to exercise restraint and jointly safeguard the JCPOA and avoid further escalation of tensions.
Russia to Iran: 'Not to give in to emotions'
Russia, as one of the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal, on Tuesday urged Iran not to give in to emotion and instead abide by its nuclear agreements.
"We call on our Iranian colleagues to show sangfroid, not to give in to emotions by any means and observe key provisions of the IAEA Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol to this agreement," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
He said that Russia would do everything to help preserve the Iran nuclear accord.
"This agreement has special significance for the strengthening of the (nuclear) non-proliferation regime," Lavrov said, speaking after talks with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney.
But all parties – not just Tehran – have to honor their commitments for the Iran nuclear agreement to be preserved, Lavrov added.
"I would very much want our European colleagues to understand the full measure of their responsibility for preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," Lavrov said.
European countries should "safeguard Iran's economic interests" and help it sell its oil, Russia's top diplomat said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency environmental sample laboratory in Seibersdorf, April 24, 2013. /Reuters Photo
France's Macron voices concern
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday also expressed concern over the Iran nuclear deal.
In a statement, Macron said he had "noted with concern" Tehran's overstepping of the limit set in the 2015 deal with world powers and called on Iran "to immediately reverse this overshoot and abstain from any other measure that would undermine its nuclear obligations".
Macron expressed his attachment to the full respect of the 2015 nuclear accord.
The French president said he "will take steps in coming days to ensure Iran fully respect its obligations and continues to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal," his office said in a statement.
His statement came after discussing the latest developments with U.S. President Donald Trump in a call on Monday night.
(With input from agencies)
(Cover: A general view of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, October 26, 2010. /Reuters Photo)