Iran Nuclear Deal: Iran says Trump's remarks on accord 'silly and superficial'

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Europe

02:28

Iran has reacted angrily to Trump's decision to pull out of the nuclear deal. While other signatories are expressing their commitment to keeping the deal afloat. Chuck Tinte has more.

Silly and superficial. That's how the supreme leader of Iran described Donald Trump's remarks on Tuesday.

AYATOLLA ALI KHAMENEI SUPREME LEADER OF IRAN "The US president made worthless and mean remarks. There were probably ten lies amongst his comments."

In fact, Khamenei said Tehran would also drop out of the deal if European signatories don't come up with solid guarantees that trade relations would continue after the US withdrawal. Germany, France and the UK say they will work to protect trade ties with Iran and keep the accord afloat. Next week, their foreign ministers will meet with Iranian representatives to discuss the matter.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "We will do everything in our power for Iran to adhere to its obligations in the future."

JEAN YVES LE DRIAN FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER "You have to admit that this region needs no further destabilisation provoked by the US decision to withdraw from the agreement. We want to maintain this agreement and we want Iran to stay in it as well."

However, Khamenei is skeptical.

AYATOLLA ALI KHAMENEI SUPREME LEADER OF IRAN "I do not trust these three countries either. If you could get guarantees from them in such a way that they can be trusted, no problem, then you can continue. If you cannot get such a strong guarantee from them, and I see it very unlikely that you can, we could not move and continue like this anymore."

Other signatories, including China and Russia, also weighed in to defend the deal curbing Iran's nuclear program.

GENG SHUANG SPOKESPERSON, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY "All parties should fulfill their commitments to safeguard the deal's integrity, and seriousness. This is beneficial for safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime, and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East."

Meanwhile, Israel, Iran's arch-rival, strongly supported the US president's decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it a "bold" move. Chuck Tinte, CGTN.