World Power Reactions towards Iran

World
Europe

02:49

World powers are divided in their responses to the US withdrawal from the deal. Here is a review of the latest diplomatic efforts to either save or undermine the deal. Natalie Pang has more.

It's no surprise that the US is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, but it is reimposing all previous sanctions and is warning Iran not to start nuclear activities.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "We will be instituting the highest level of Economic sanctions. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the U.S."

The pull-out stirred strong backlash in Iran. President Hassan Rouhani criticized the US as a country that "never adheres to its commitments". He threatened to resume nuclear activities if the deal's goals are not met.

But on the other hand, Tehran is seeking every chance to stay in. Its Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has just completed an intense diplomatic tour, in a bid to rally support from Beijing and Moscow.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "I hope and believe that these visits to multiple countries will improve countries' understanding of Iran's position -- including China's. And I believe it will allow you to make your own positive contribution to help protect Iran's legitimate national interests as well as peace and stability in the region."

SERGEY LAVROV RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "Unfortunately, once again we see that Washington is trying to revise key international agreements, as is happening to the JCPOA. It's happening to the Jerusalem problem and a number of other agreements."

European signatories have also undertaken a flurry of diplomatic activities to protect the deal.

France, Britain and Germany responded with regret and concern in a joint statement after discussion.

And in the latest Balkan summit, Emmanuel Macron, Theresa May and Angela Merkel all said they will work with Iran to salvage the deal. The European Union itself will also launch a process to block the effects of new US sanctions on Iran.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "We have collectively affirmed the European desire to preserve the benefits of the deal, including for Iran, signed in July 2015, and to protect the legitimate interests of our companies."

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "We will continue talks with the United States of America, but also with the other partners to the agreement, to see that Iran stays in this agreement, and secondly to talk with Iran about other issues."

But the US withdrawal is good news to some. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's decision as "a historic move". America's Arab allies, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt also all welcomed this move. Natalie Pang, CGTN.