US can only blame itself for JCPOA withdrawal: Javad Zarif

US can only blame itself for JCPOA withdrawal: Javad Zarif

Tehran: Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday said that the United States (US) could only blame itself for pulling out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Taking to his Twitter account Zarif said, the JCPOA was “a unique multilateral accord” that was produced after two years of talks with the US and along with China, Russia, and the E3, the group of European Union countries (France, Germany and the United Kingdom) that were involved in the negotiations.

He further stated that the US could only blame themselves for pulling out of the deal, adding that threats, sanctions and PR stunts will not help them and that they should be respectful towards Iranians and the US’ International commitments.

“Iran & US had 2 yrs of talks. With EU/E3+Russia+China, we produced a unique multilateral accord-the JCPOA. It’s been working. US can only blame itself for pulling out & leaving the table. Threats, sanctions & PR stunts won’t work. Try respect: for Iranians & for int’l commitments,” Zarif tweeted.

This follows a war of words between himself and US President Donald Trump on Twitter following the latter’s decision to pull out of the JCPOA.

Trump directed Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to “NEVER EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN,” otherwise there will consequences, “THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE.”

In reply, Zarif warned Trump to “be cautious”, saying that they have been around for millennia and have seen the fall of several empires, including their own, which lasted more than the life of some countries.

Trump had announced the US’ withdrawal from the JCPOA in May, calling the accord as an “embarrassment” that was “defective at its core”, and warned of severe consequences if Iran resumed its nuclear programme.

However, on July 25, Trump stated that the US was ready to make a “real deal” with Iran, saying that Iran was not the same country as before.