Iran Nuclear Deal: EU urges continued support for deal after Trump withdraws

World
Europe

01:58

Moments after Trump's pullout announcement, the EU said it's determined to preserve the deal with Iran, as long as Iran continues its commitment to the deal. CGTN's Mariam Zaidi reports from Brussels.

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "Moments after US President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. does not make any empty threats, the EU hit back. Its Foreign Affairs Chief Federica Mogherini said no one country can unilaterally terminate the deal. She said it is the culmination of 12 years of diplomacy and she gave it her complete and full backing."

Adding that the EU is determined to preserve the deal with Iran and that they will work with other allies to ensure that. So long as Iran continues to honor its commitments. Speaking directly to Iran and its people, Mogherini said: "Do not let anyone dismantle this agreement. Stay true to your commitments, as we will stay true to ours."

But with Trump says the U.S. will impose what he called "the toughest sanctions possible" on Iran and impose retaliatory sanctions on any country that helps it. In light of those threats, how will the EU stay respond.

FEDERICA MOGHERINI EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF "I am particularly worried by the announcement of new sanctions. I will consult with all our partners in the coming hours and days to assess their implications. The European Union is determined to act in accordance with its security interests and to protect its economic investments."

The leaders of France, Germany and the UK have also issued a joint statement underlining their continued support to the JCPOA. With France's President Emmanuel Macron adding on Twitter that nuclear non-proliferation is now at stake.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his government remains committed to the deal with the other world powers. Speaking after Trump's pullout, Rouhani said he instructed Iranian diplomats to work with the remaining signatories.

It will now be up to China, Russia, the UK, Germany, and France to keep the deal alive, and investments flowing into Iran. Mariam Zaidi, CGTN Brussels.