Iran to increase uranium enrichment if EU acts passively; zarif
The Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has emphasized that Europe must decide whether it wants to surrender to the United States or not, and if it chooses to be independent of US, Europe must compensate Iran for losses suffered as a result of US withdrawal from the JCPOA.
In an interview with the German magazine, Der Spiegel the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, urged the Europeans to stand up to Donald Trump and his administration, asking them to compensate Iran for the losses it has suffered as a result of Washington withdrawing from the JCPOA.
Zarif said Europe must offset US pullout from the nuclear deal.
Foreign minister Zarif pointedly added: "The Europeans can no longer sit on the fence. They must decide whether to surrender to the US, or to stand up to the US."
Mohammad Javad Zarif also had this warning to the Europeans. He said: "If Europe continues to be passive vis-a-vis America's withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran can increase its uranium enrichment activities."
Zarif said the Europeans must act on the promises they have made and they must honour their word. In further remarks, foreign minister Zarif said: "Iran's oil exports are a good yardstick. If Iran is deprived of the economic and commercial benefits of the nuclear agreement, then we will take action. This does not necessarily mean we will withdraw from the JCPOA. Implementing parts or sections of this agreement, is another distinct possibility."
Turning to Syria, foreign minister Zarif said: "The presence of Iranian military advisers in Syria is perfectly legitimate and appropriate".
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