A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead. However, he refused to formally announce that.

The video that surfaced on Tuesday has been shared far and wide. It is believed to have been shot on November 3 during the US President's visit to California.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Iran inching closer to enriching nukes? IAEA's shocking report amidst nuke deal talks

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In it, Biden can be seen responding to a woman, who can be seen wearing a hair ribbon in Iranian flag colours. The woman asks him to announce that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer in effect. Biden, however, says no.

The White House hasn't denied the video, and national security spokesperson John Kirby said that nobody was questioning its authenticity. He added that Washington still wants to restore the JCPOA but that right now due to the Ukraine war, it's not a priority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-using-advanced-machines-to-further-expand-its-nuclear-enrichment-capabilities-iaea-report-524365">Iran using 'advanced machines' to further expand its nuclear enrichment capabilities: IAEA report</a>

"The president's comments are very much in line with everything we've been saying about the JCPOA, which is just not our focus right now," said Kirby.

"There is no progress happening with respect to the Iran deal now. We don't anticipate any progress anytime in the near future."&nbsp;

"We simply don't see a deal coming together anytime soon, while Iran continues to kill its own citizens and is selling UAVs to Russia," he said, referring to the so-called anti-Hijab protests in Tehran and the government's campaign to repress months-long demonstrations over its treatment of women.

Watch the video here:

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President Biden asked if he will announced the Iran deal is dead by Iranian Americans: 
 
“It is dead but we’re not gonna announce it” 
 
🤦🏼‍♀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IranRevoIution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranRevoIution</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/Qakgj6Lz06">pic.twitter.com/Qakgj6Lz06</a>
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilykschrader/status/1605127937774190592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here's a transcript of the conversation as reported by AFP:

"President Biden, could you please announce that the JCPOA is dead," asks the woman, as Biden passes by shaking hands.

"No," he replies.&nbsp;

"Why not?" the woman retorts.

"It is dead, but we are not going to announce it," says Biden adding, "Long story."

The woman, and others next to her, then urge him to not make deals with the Iran government and say "they don't represent us."&nbsp;

"They are not our government," adds another.

"I know they don't represent you. But they will have a nuclear weapon," Biden responds. The video ends here.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-what-are-major-issues-bedevilling-talks-on-its-revival-507317">Iran nuclear deal: What are major issues bedevilling talks on its revival?</a>

This comes as even after months of pressure Iran refuses to bow to pressure and accept the final stipulations of the agreement that would revive the JCPOA deal.

The United States pulled out of the agreement under the leadership of former President Donald Trump in 2018.&nbsp;Talks towards the revival of the 2015 deal have been on since April 2021 and as per AFP at one point early this year, Iran and US came really close to a deal.

However, recent months haven't seen any progress and in September, European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the parties were actually "diverging."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead.

A video of US President Joe Biden saying that the Iran Nuclear Deal is "dead" is making the rounds on the internet. Apparently, the leader last month said that the multi-state deal to limit Tehran's nuclear deal is dead. However, he refused to formally announce that. The video that surfaced on Tuesday has been shared far and wide. It is believed to have been shot on November 3 during the US President's visit to California. Watch | WION Dispatch: Iran inching closer to enriching nukes? IAEA's shocking report amidst nuke deal talks In it, Biden can be seen responding to a woman, who can be seen wearing a hair ribbon in Iranian flag colours. The woman asks him to announce that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer in effect. Biden, however, says no. The White House hasn't denied the video, and national security spokesperson John Kirby said that nobody was questioning its authenticity. He added that Washington still wants to restore the JCPOA but that right now due to the Ukraine war, it's not a priority. Also read | Iran using 'advanced machines' to further expand its nuclear enrichment capabilities: IAEA report "The president's comments are very much in line with everything we've been saying about the JCPOA, which is just not our focus right now," said Kirby. "There is no progress happening with respect to the Iran deal now. We don't anticipate any progress anytime in the near future." "We simply don't see a deal coming together anytime soon, while Iran continues to kill its own citizens and is selling UAVs to Russia," he said, referring to the so-called anti-Hijab protests in Tehran and the government's campaign to repress months-long demonstrations over its treatment of women. Watch the video here: President Biden asked if he will announced the Iran deal is dead by Iranian Americans: “It is dead but we’re not gonna announce it” 🤦🏼‍♀️ #IranRevoIution pic.twitter.com/Qakgj6Lz06 — Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר امیلی شریدر (@emilykschrader) December 20, 2022 × Here's a transcript of the conversation as reported by AFP: "President Biden, could you please announce that the JCPOA is dead," asks the woman, as Biden passes by shaking hands. "No," he replies. "Why not?" the woman retorts. "It is dead, but we are not going to announce it," says Biden adding, "Long story." The woman, and others next to her, then urge him to not make deals with the Iran government and say "they don't represent us." "They are not our government," adds another. "I know they don't represent you. But they will have a nuclear weapon," Biden responds. The video ends here. Also read | Iran nuclear deal: What are major issues bedevilling talks on its revival? This comes as even after months of pressure Iran refuses to bow to pressure and accept the final stipulations of the agreement that would revive the JCPOA deal. The United States pulled out of the agreement under the leadership of former President Donald Trump in 2018. Talks towards the revival of the 2015 deal have been on since April 2021 and as per AFP at one point early this year, Iran and US came really close to a deal. However, recent months haven't seen any progress and in September, European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the parties were actually "diverging." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'It is dead, but we are not going to announce it,' says Biden about Iran nuclear deal. Watch!

Seeking to salvage the agreement on Tehran's atomic ambitions, negotiations kicked off a fresh round of talks over Iran's nuclear programme in Vienna on Thursday.

While the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned there is no room left for further major compromises, both Tehran and Washington have played down the prospect of a breakthrough in this round of talks.

Iranian state media reported that chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani and the EU's Enrique Mora met to salvage a 2015 nuclear deal.

Mora will shuttle between Kani and US Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley as Iran refuses to hold direct talks with America.

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Saying in a tweet the United States should "show maturity &amp; act responsibly," Kani signalled little flexibility to resolve remaining thorny issues and put the onus on the White House to compromise.

Highlighting that the negotiations "are pretty much complete at this point," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Washington has presented its final offer to Iran, and now the ball is in Tehran's court.

If the West abandons an effort to investigate manmade traces of uranium found at previously undisclosed sites in Iran, then turned-off surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency would be switched back on, according to Tehran’s civilian nuclear chief.

The United States had refused Iran's demand to remove its Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) from Washington's terrorism list.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium under the watch of UN inspectors in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Saying he would negotiate a stronger deal, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the US out of the accord in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Seeking to salvage the agreement on Tehran's atomic ambitions, negotiations kicked off a fresh round of talks over Iran's nuclear programme in Vienna on Thursday.

Seeking to salvage the agreement on Tehran's atomic ambitions, negotiations kicked off a fresh round of talks over Iran's nuclear programme in Vienna on Thursday. While the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned there is no room left for further major compromises, both Tehran and Washington have played down the prospect of a breakthrough in this round of talks. Iranian state media reported that chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani and the EU's Enrique Mora met to salvage a 2015 nuclear deal. Mora will shuttle between Kani and US Special Envoy for Iran Rob Malley as Iran refuses to hold direct talks with America. × Saying in a tweet the United States should "show maturity & act responsibly," Kani signalled little flexibility to resolve remaining thorny issues and put the onus on the White House to compromise. Highlighting that the negotiations "are pretty much complete at this point," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Washington has presented its final offer to Iran, and now the ball is in Tehran's court. If the West abandons an effort to investigate manmade traces of uranium found at previously undisclosed sites in Iran, then turned-off surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency would be switched back on, according to Tehran’s civilian nuclear chief. The United States had refused Iran's demand to remove its Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) from Washington's terrorism list. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran agreed to limit its enrichment of uranium under the watch of UN inspectors in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Saying he would negotiate a stronger deal, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the US out of the accord in 2018. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Iran nuclear deal: Indirect talks resume in Vienna as Tehran expands enrichment

Iran remains "serious" about reaching a revived nuclear deal, said the country's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as the talks between the parties in Vienna, remain stalled. While addressing a joint press conference on Thursday (June 23) with visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Abdollahian said that the nuclear negotiations "train has reached difficult stops" as they near the end.&nbsp;

Amir-Abdollahian stressed Iran was "serious about reaching a good, strong and lasting agreement" and called for similar realism from the US side. "I hope we can reach the final point of the agreement in the near future with realism from the American side," he said.&nbsp;

During his visit to Iran, Lavrov said that Moscow fully supports the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers. Notably, Russia was a party to the original 2015 deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).&nbsp;

Iran has taken part in the on-off talks that opened in Vienna in April last year. Also, indirect talks between Tehran and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's administration have been taking place to reinstate the pact.&nbsp;

The main agenda remains to bring&nbsp;Washington back into the agreement after former President Donald Trump's 2018 withdrawal.&nbsp;

Tehran's rulers are also struggling to keep Iran's economy afloat because of US&nbsp;sanctions that were reimposed after Washington exited Tehran's nuclear deal in 2018.&nbsp;

Lavrov told the news conference: "Today, with the other participants in the JCPOA... we are making every effort to repair the American error when the United States left the JCPOA."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;What will happen if Russia turns off Europe's gas supply?

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Apart from Iran,&nbsp;Russia is also grappling with the economic impact of Western actions as Moscow has faced sanctions in the aftermath of its decision to invade Ukraine&nbsp;in February this year.&nbsp;

"We oppose illegal sanctions against countries including Russia," Amir-Abdollahian said.&nbsp;

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Iran remains "serious" about reaching a revived nuclear deal, said the country's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as the talks between the parties in Vienna, remain stalled.

Iran remains "serious" about reaching a revived nuclear deal, said the country's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as the talks between the parties in Vienna, remain stalled. While addressing a joint press conference on Thursday (June 23) with visiting Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Abdollahian said that the nuclear negotiations "train has reached difficult stops" as they near the end. Amir-Abdollahian stressed Iran was "serious about reaching a good, strong and lasting agreement" and called for similar realism from the US side. "I hope we can reach the final point of the agreement in the near future with realism from the American side," he said. During his visit to Iran, Lavrov said that Moscow fully supports the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers. Notably, Russia was a party to the original 2015 deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran has taken part in the on-off talks that opened in Vienna in April last year. Also, indirect talks between Tehran and US President Joe Biden's administration have been taking place to reinstate the pact. The main agenda remains to bring Washington back into the agreement after former President Donald Trump's 2018 withdrawal. Tehran's rulers are also struggling to keep Iran's economy afloat because of US sanctions that were reimposed after Washington exited Tehran's nuclear deal in 2018. Lavrov told the news conference: "Today, with the other participants in the JCPOA... we are making every effort to repair the American error when the United States left the JCPOA." WATCH | What will happen if Russia turns off Europe's gas supply? × Apart from Iran, Russia is also grappling with the economic impact of Western actions as Moscow has faced sanctions in the aftermath of its decision to invade Ukraine in February this year. "We oppose illegal sanctions against countries including Russia," Amir-Abdollahian said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran says 'serious' about reaching a revived nuclear deal

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue.

"We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said.

"Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-iran-israel-pm-bennett-meets-bahrains-king-as-he-strives-to-build-ring-of-alliances-453846">Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’</a>

Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States.

He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out.

"The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said.

In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and&nbsp;indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vienna-talks-far-from-balance-in-commitments-says-irans-top-security-official-451065">Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official</a>

"We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions."

Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief

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In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement."

The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments.

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before.

France warned on Wednesday that Iran has only days left to accept a deal on its nuclear programme at Vienna talks, while Iran's chief negotiator said a deal was closer than ever before. In an address to the Senate, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian predicted that if there is no agreement, a major crisis would ensue. "We need political decisions from the Iranians. They have a very clear choice," France's Le Drian said. "Either they unleash a serious crisis in the next days... or they accept an agreement that respects the interests of all the parties, especially those of Iran," he said. Also read | Eyeing Iran, Israel PM Bennett meets Bahrain’s King as he strives to build ‘ring of alliances’ Having described a deal as "within grasp," he said there was now an agreement between the European powers as well as China, Russia, and the United States. He nonetheless warned that Iran's nuclear activities are intensifying and that time is running out. "The more this goes on, the more Iran is accelerating its nuclear procedures," he said. In late November, the Vienna talks, which include Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and indirectly the United States, resumed with the goal of restoring the 2015 deal. Also read | Vienna talks 'far from balance in commitments,' says Iran's top security official "We are closer than ever to an agreement," Iran's top negotiator Ali Bagheri wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. "Our negotiating partners need to be realistic, avoid intransigence and heed lessons of past 4yrs. Time for their serious decisions." Iran's economy took a beating after the-then President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on the country in 2018. Iran, then ramped up its nuclear work, violating the terms of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "As a matter of principle, public opinion in Iran cannot accept as a guarantee the words of a head of state, let alone the United States, due to the withdrawal of Americans" in 2018, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told the Financial Times in an interview published on his ministry's website. Watch | Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief In a statement he made, he said he had asked Iranian negotiators to propose to the Western parties that "at least their parliaments or parliament speakers, including the US Congress, can declare in the form of a political statement their commitment to the agreement." The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington back to the nuclear deal and include lifting sanctions on Iran, as well as ensuring Tehran sticks to its commitments. (With inputs from agencies)

France says Iran nuclear deal 'within grasp', predicts a major crisis if agreement isn't reached

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace.

Speaking during an interview with CNN, Malley warned of a "period of escalating crisis" if diplomacy failed to restore the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.

After a five-month hiatus, negotiations restarted in November, to try to restore the deal with Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-left-the-deal-iran-says-us-should-take-first-step-in-revival-of-2015-nuclear-deal-434455">They 'left the deal': Iran says US should 'take first step' in revival of 2015 nuclear deal</a>

The United States had withdrawn from this agreement under former president Donald Trump in 2018. Now, the US is an indirect party to the talks.

While the Iran talks have been suspended, Malley said that he hopes the indirect talks will resume "relatively soon."

Recently, Washington has also warned that it may soon be too late to revive the agreement.

"It really depends on the pace of their nuclear process," said Malley, the US special envoy for Iran. "If they halt the nuclear advances, we have more time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-iran-developed-its-nuclear-programme-with-american-help-435608">How Iran developed its nuclear programme with American help</a>

"If they continue at their current pace, we have some weeks left but not much more than that, at which point the conclusion will be there's no deal to be revived," he said.

"At some point in a not-so-distant future we will have to conclude the JCPOA is no more and we would have to negotiate a wholly different deal and we would go through a period of escalating crisis," he added.

The Iranian government claims it only wants to develop a civilian nuclear capability, but Western powers say its stockpile of uranium enriched goes far beyond that and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-begin-to-pay-a-price-for-its-violations-says-israels-pm-naftali-bennett-434330">Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett</a>

In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that no deadline would be set for the negotiations.

"I'm not going to put a time limit on it," Blinken told reporters, but the remaining runway for a deal is "getting very, very, very short."

"We continue to have a strong interest in seeing if we can put the nuclear program back into the box that it was in," he said. "But if we can't do that, because Iran will not engage in good faith, then we are actively looking at alternatives and options."

Watch |&nbsp;US NSA Jake Sullivan To Visit Israel, discuss Iran Nuclear Deal

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As part of the 2015 agreement, Iran was given relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear program, which was put under intense UN monitoring.

Afterwards, Trump reintroduced sanctions, leading Tehran to violate the nuclear deal's limits in 2019.

The negotiations have recently hit a snag over which sanctions Washington is willing to lift, and guarantees demanded by Iran to guard against a possible US withdrawal.

(With inputs from agencies)

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace.

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace. Speaking during an interview with CNN, Malley warned of a "period of escalating crisis" if diplomacy failed to restore the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. After a five-month hiatus, negotiations restarted in November, to try to restore the deal with Iran. Also read | They 'left the deal': Iran says US should 'take first step' in revival of 2015 nuclear deal The United States had withdrawn from this agreement under former president Donald Trump in 2018. Now, the US is an indirect party to the talks. While the Iran talks have been suspended, Malley said that he hopes the indirect talks will resume "relatively soon." Recently, Washington has also warned that it may soon be too late to revive the agreement. "It really depends on the pace of their nuclear process," said Malley, the US special envoy for Iran. "If they halt the nuclear advances, we have more time." Also read | How Iran developed its nuclear programme with American help "If they continue at their current pace, we have some weeks left but not much more than that, at which point the conclusion will be there's no deal to be revived," he said. "At some point in a not-so-distant future we will have to conclude the JCPOA is no more and we would have to negotiate a wholly different deal and we would go through a period of escalating crisis," he added. The Iranian government claims it only wants to develop a civilian nuclear capability, but Western powers say its stockpile of uranium enriched goes far beyond that and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon. Also read | Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that no deadline would be set for the negotiations. "I'm not going to put a time limit on it," Blinken told reporters, but the remaining runway for a deal is "getting very, very, very short." "We continue to have a strong interest in seeing if we can put the nuclear program back into the box that it was in," he said. "But if we can't do that, because Iran will not engage in good faith, then we are actively looking at alternatives and options." Watch | US NSA Jake Sullivan To Visit Israel, discuss Iran Nuclear Deal As part of the 2015 agreement, Iran was given relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear program, which was put under intense UN monitoring. Afterwards, Trump reintroduced sanctions, leading Tehran to violate the nuclear deal's limits in 2019. The negotiations have recently hit a snag over which sanctions Washington is willing to lift, and guarantees demanded by Iran to guard against a possible US withdrawal. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns that only 'some weeks' left to revive Iran nuclear deal

With Iran digging in and its negotiating partners openly expressing frustration and pessimism, the long-delayed resumption of nuclear talks has gotten off to a rough start.

The United States said last week after five days of negotiations in Vienna that Iran did not seem serious.

As for Iran, its top nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani said Washington should take the initiative to revive the 2015 nuclear deal since it was the one that left the deal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-heard-in-irans-natanz-where-nuclear-site-is-located-report-434210">Blast heard in Iran's Natanz where nuclear site is located: Report</a>

Bagheri Kani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not budge on its demands for the lifting of sanctions as part of the restoration of the nuclear deal, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.

Iran has been accused of backtracking on its previous promises by European diplomats. Iran's commitment to the nuclear deal has been questioned even by Russia, a country that has strong ties with Iran.

Israel, which is an outside observer and has a stake in the outcome of the talks, has stepped up its rhetoric and is sending two top security officials to Washington for consultations.

"I call on every country negotiating with Iran in Vienna to take a strong line and make it clear to Iran that they cannot enrich uranium and negotiate at the same time," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday.

"Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-begin-to-pay-a-price-for-its-violations-says-israels-pm-naftali-bennett-434330">Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett</a>

In the end, last week's talks produced one positive outcome: an agreement to continue talking.

These talks in Vienna ended a five-month hiatus and were the first to be attended by Iran's new hard-line government.

It will become clearer when negotiators reconvene in the coming days if the wide gaps seen last week are merely posturing or a sign of an increasingly serious crisis.

Iran and six world powers are seeking to revive their 2015 nuclear agreement. The then-President Barack Obama spearheaded that agreement, which gave Iran relief from crippling sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Watch |&nbsp;Diplomats back at the table for Iran nuclear talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/diplomats-back-at-the-table-for-iran-nuclear-talks-434112/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Three years later, however, President Donald Trump, with the encouragement of then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, withdrew from the agreement, causing it to unravel.

Iranian nuclear activities have intensified since then, as it has amassed a stockpile of highly enriched uranium that goes far beyond what was allowed under the nuclear agreement.

The continued advancements in Iran's atomic program have raised the stakes despite Iran's claims that its activities are peaceful.

With Iran digging in and its negotiating partners openly expressing frustration and pessimism, the long-delayed resumption of nuclear talks has gotten off to a rough start.

With Iran digging in and its negotiating partners openly expressing frustration and pessimism, the long-delayed resumption of nuclear talks has gotten off to a rough start. The United States said last week after five days of negotiations in Vienna that Iran did not seem serious. As for Iran, its top nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani said Washington should take the initiative to revive the 2015 nuclear deal since it was the one that left the deal. Also read | Blast heard in Iran's Natanz where nuclear site is located: Report Bagheri Kani said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not budge on its demands for the lifting of sanctions as part of the restoration of the nuclear deal, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA. Iran has been accused of backtracking on its previous promises by European diplomats. Iran's commitment to the nuclear deal has been questioned even by Russia, a country that has strong ties with Iran. Israel, which is an outside observer and has a stake in the outcome of the talks, has stepped up its rhetoric and is sending two top security officials to Washington for consultations. "I call on every country negotiating with Iran in Vienna to take a strong line and make it clear to Iran that they cannot enrich uranium and negotiate at the same time," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday. "Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations." Also read | Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett In the end, last week's talks produced one positive outcome: an agreement to continue talking. These talks in Vienna ended a five-month hiatus and were the first to be attended by Iran's new hard-line government. It will become clearer when negotiators reconvene in the coming days if the wide gaps seen last week are merely posturing or a sign of an increasingly serious crisis. Iran and six world powers are seeking to revive their 2015 nuclear agreement. The then-President Barack Obama spearheaded that agreement, which gave Iran relief from crippling sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. Watch | Diplomats back at the table for Iran nuclear talks Three years later, however, President Donald Trump, with the encouragement of then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, withdrew from the agreement, causing it to unravel. Iranian nuclear activities have intensified since then, as it has amassed a stockpile of highly enriched uranium that goes far beyond what was allowed under the nuclear agreement. The continued advancements in Iran's atomic program have raised the stakes despite Iran's claims that its activities are peaceful.

They 'left the deal': Iran says US should 'take first step' in revival of 2015 nuclear deal

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US&nbsp;State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details.

"We are prepared to take the steps necessary to return to compliance with the JCPOA, including by lifting sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA," State Department spokesman&nbsp;Ned&nbsp;Price&nbsp;told reporters. He was referring to the pact formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Diplomats from major powers and the European Union met separately on Wednesday with Iran and the United States to discuss what sanctions Washington might remove and what nuclear curbs Tehran might observe in an effort to bring both back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, a US&nbsp;official said.

Longtime foes the United States and Iran have said they do not expect quick breakthroughs in the talks that began in Vienna on Tuesday, with European and other diplomats as intermediaries because Tehran rejects face-to-face talks for now.

Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal, which lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear program, and he reimposed US&nbsp;sanctions, prompting Iran to violate the accord's atomic limitations.

The deal's remaining parties. Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia,&nbsp;agreed on Tuesday to form two expert-level groups whose job is to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet.

Diplomats said the working groups, which are chaired by the European Union and exclude the United States, met on Wednesday. A US&nbsp;official said on condition of anonymity that the US&nbsp;delegation in Vienna had been briefed on the discussions.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details.

The United States is prepared to remove sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iran nuclear deal, including those that are inconsistent with the 2015 pact, the US State Department said on Wednesday, without providing details. "We are prepared to take the steps necessary to return to compliance with the JCPOA, including by lifting sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. He was referring to the pact formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Diplomats from major powers and the European Union met separately on Wednesday with Iran and the United States to discuss what sanctions Washington might remove and what nuclear curbs Tehran might observe in an effort to bring both back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, a US official said. Longtime foes the United States and Iran have said they do not expect quick breakthroughs in the talks that began in Vienna on Tuesday, with European and other diplomats as intermediaries because Tehran rejects face-to-face talks for now. Former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 deal, which lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear program, and he reimposed US sanctions, prompting Iran to violate the accord's atomic limitations. The deal's remaining parties. Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia, agreed on Tuesday to form two expert-level groups whose job is to marry lists of sanctions that the United States could lift with nuclear obligations Iran should meet. Diplomats said the working groups, which are chaired by the European Union and exclude the United States, met on Wednesday. A US official said on condition of anonymity that the US delegation in Vienna had been briefed on the discussions. (With inputs from agencies)

US prepared to lift sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with nuclear deal

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-on-a-meeting-with-irans-rouhani-anything-is-possible-247640">scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal</a> with world powers.

His announcement came shortly after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-hassan-rouhani-set-to-make-new-cut-in-nuclear-commitments-247582">US hit the Islamic Republic with further sanctions</a>, the latest in a series of punitive measures including an embargo on Iranian oil exports.

Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to reduce tensions and save the nuclear deal that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year.

But late Wednesday, Rouhani made good on a declared intention to take another step away from the multilateral deal signed with the permanent five United Nations Security Council powers and Germany (P5+1).&nbsp;

"I, as of now, announce the third step," he said on state television.&nbsp;

"The atomic energy organisation (of Iran) is ordered to immediately start whatever is needed in the field of research and development, and abandon all the commitments that were in place regarding research and development," he said.

He referred to "expansions in the field of research and development, centrifuges, different types of new centrifuges, and whatever we need for enrichment".

Iran in July abandoned two other nuclear commitments: to keep its stockpile of enriched uranium below 300-kilogrammes, and a 3.67-percent cap on the purity of its uranium stocks.

Rouhani had earlier on Wednesday told a cabinet meeting: "I don't think that... we will reach a deal".

But the Iranian president had also said Tehran and the European powers had been getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues.

"If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting Trump last month in France, encouraged him to offer economic incentives for Tehran and dangled the possibility of a summit between the US and Iranian presidents.&nbsp;

Trump made clear Wednesday that he was still interested in meeting Rouhani when the Iranian leader visits New York for the annual UN General Assembly.

"Sure, anything is possible," Trump told reporters.

US firm on sanctions

But Rouhani has already ruled out a summit without sanctions relief, and on Wednesday the Trump administration issued its third set of sanctions on Iran in less than a week.

In the latest salvo, the Treasury Department put on its blacklist a shipping network of 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels that it said was selling oil on behalf of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force.

The network sold more than $500 million worth of oil this spring, mostly to Syria, benefitting both President Bashar al-Assad and militant Lebanese allies Hezbollah, the Treasury Department said.

A US official said that the move showed Washington's position on relaxing sanctions -- and warned that more would come.

"We can't make it any more clear that we are committed to this campaign of maximum pressure and we are not looking to grant any exceptions or waivers," Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, told reporters.

Iran has said it will resume full compliance with the nuclear deal if it reaches a deal with France on a $15-billion credit line, which Tehran would repay once it resumes oil exports.

The US is currently trying to block such shipments with unilateral sanctions.

Hook stopped short of criticising the credit line itself, saying there was no "concrete" proposal.

'Part' of tanker crew freed

Speaking days after a trip to France, deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out renegotiation of the 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," said Araghchi, quoted by the state news agency IRNA.

Hawks in the Trump administration adamantly oppose any easing of pressure, saying their goal is not only to contain Iran's nuclear programme but to curb the clerical state's influence across the Middle East.

Iran had long threatened to carry out a third set of nuclear countermeasures by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance.

Tensions rose significantly in July since Iran took the first two steps away from the nuclear deal and seized a British-flagged tanker -- the Stena Impero -- in the Strait of Hormuz for "failing to respect international maritime rules".

But some members of the crew of this Swedish-owned tanker have been released, Stockholm said late Wednesday.

"A part of the crew of the Stena Impero... has been released," Sweden's foreign ministry said in a message to AFP, without giving details of how many of the crew had been freed.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal with world powers.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday ordered all limits on nuclear research and development to be lifted, the country's third step in scaling down its commitments to a 2015 deal with world powers. His announcement came shortly after the US hit the Islamic Republic with further sanctions, the latest in a series of punitive measures including an embargo on Iranian oil exports. Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to reduce tensions and save the nuclear deal that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year. But late Wednesday, Rouhani made good on a declared intention to take another step away from the multilateral deal signed with the permanent five United Nations Security Council powers and Germany (P5+1). "I, as of now, announce the third step," he said on state television. "The atomic energy organisation (of Iran) is ordered to immediately start whatever is needed in the field of research and development, and abandon all the commitments that were in place regarding research and development," he said. He referred to "expansions in the field of research and development, centrifuges, different types of new centrifuges, and whatever we need for enrichment". Iran in July abandoned two other nuclear commitments: to keep its stockpile of enriched uranium below 300-kilogrammes, and a 3.67-percent cap on the purity of its uranium stocks. Rouhani had earlier on Wednesday told a cabinet meeting: "I don't think that... we will reach a deal". But the Iranian president had also said Tehran and the European powers had been getting closer to an agreement on a way to resolve burning issues. "If we had 20 issues of disagreement with the Europeans in the past, today there are three issues," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron, meeting Trump last month in France, encouraged him to offer economic incentives for Tehran and dangled the possibility of a summit between the US and Iranian presidents. Trump made clear Wednesday that he was still interested in meeting Rouhani when the Iranian leader visits New York for the annual UN General Assembly. "Sure, anything is possible," Trump told reporters. US firm on sanctions But Rouhani has already ruled out a summit without sanctions relief, and on Wednesday the Trump administration issued its third set of sanctions on Iran in less than a week. In the latest salvo, the Treasury Department put on its blacklist a shipping network of 16 entities, 10 people and 11 vessels that it said was selling oil on behalf of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards' Qods Force. The network sold more than $500 million worth of oil this spring, mostly to Syria, benefitting both President Bashar al-Assad and militant Lebanese allies Hezbollah, the Treasury Department said. A US official said that the move showed Washington's position on relaxing sanctions -- and warned that more would come. "We can't make it any more clear that we are committed to this campaign of maximum pressure and we are not looking to grant any exceptions or waivers," Brian Hook, the State Department coordinator on Iran, told reporters. Iran has said it will resume full compliance with the nuclear deal if it reaches a deal with France on a $15-billion credit line, which Tehran would repay once it resumes oil exports. The US is currently trying to block such shipments with unilateral sanctions. Hook stopped short of criticising the credit line itself, saying there was no "concrete" proposal. 'Part' of tanker crew freed Speaking days after a trip to France, deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out renegotiation of the 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Returning to full implementation of the JCPOA is subject to receiving $15 billion over a period of four months, otherwise the process of Iran reducing its commitments will continue," said Araghchi, quoted by the state news agency IRNA. Hawks in the Trump administration adamantly oppose any easing of pressure, saying their goal is not only to contain Iran's nuclear programme but to curb the clerical state's influence across the Middle East. Iran had long threatened to carry out a third set of nuclear countermeasures by Friday unless other parties to the deal offset the effect of US sanctions in return for its continued compliance. Tensions rose significantly in July since Iran took the first two steps away from the nuclear deal and seized a British-flagged tanker -- the Stena Impero -- in the Strait of Hormuz for "failing to respect international maritime rules". But some members of the crew of this Swedish-owned tanker have been released, Stockholm said late Wednesday. "A part of the crew of the Stena Impero... has been released," Sweden's foreign ministry said in a message to AFP, without giving details of how many of the crew had been freed.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani orders lifting of all nuclear research and development limits

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China met Iran in Vienna on Sunday (July 28) for talks to save the 2015 nuclear deal. The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal's formal name, is chaired by the EU foreign policy service's Secretary General Helga Schmid. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran. He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

How serious are Iran's breaches of the 2015 deal and what does higher enrichment mean?

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday it was "worried about increasing tensions" over Iran's nuclear programme after Tehran said it might stop respecting more elements of a 2015 international deal.&nbsp;

"I... hope that ways can be found to reduce current tensions through dialogue," International Atomic Energy Agency director general Yukiya Amano said in a speech opening the agency's quarterly board of governors meeting.

On May 8 Iran announced it no longer considered itself bound to keep to the limits of stocks of heavy water and enriched uranium. The limits were agreed as part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Tehran's move came a year after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal. Washington has also reinforced economic sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Iran has also said that if the other parties to the JCPOA did not speed up work on mitigating the effects of US sanctions, by early July it would stop abiding by restrictions on the level to which it can enrich uranium and on modifications to its Arak heavy water reactor.

Two weeks ago, the latest inspections report by the IAEA said that while stocks of uranium and heavy water had increased, they were as yet still within the limits set by the JCPOA.

"As I have constantly emphasised, the nuclear-related commitments entered into by Iran under the JCPOA represent a significant gain for nuclear verification," Amano said in his speech.

"It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA," he added.

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday it was "worried about increasing tensions" over Iran's nuclear programme after Tehran said it might stop respecting more elements of a 2015 international deal.

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Monday it was "worried about increasing tensions" over Iran's nuclear programme after Tehran said it might stop respecting more elements of a 2015 international deal. "I... hope that ways can be found to reduce current tensions through dialogue," International Atomic Energy Agency director general Yukiya Amano said in a speech opening the agency's quarterly board of governors meeting. On May 8 Iran announced it no longer considered itself bound to keep to the limits of stocks of heavy water and enriched uranium. The limits were agreed as part of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Tehran's move came a year after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal. Washington has also reinforced economic sanctions against the Islamic republic. Iran has also said that if the other parties to the JCPOA did not speed up work on mitigating the effects of US sanctions, by early July it would stop abiding by restrictions on the level to which it can enrich uranium and on modifications to its Arak heavy water reactor. Two weeks ago, the latest inspections report by the IAEA said that while stocks of uranium and heavy water had increased, they were as yet still within the limits set by the JCPOA. "As I have constantly emphasised, the nuclear-related commitments entered into by Iran under the JCPOA represent a significant gain for nuclear verification," Amano said in his speech. "It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA," he added.

UN's nuclear watchdog IAEA 'worried about increasing tensions' over Iran nuclear issue

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday.

The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials".

Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now.

European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance".

Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month.&nbsp;

Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil.&nbsp;

The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India.

The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs.

This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived on Monday night in New Delhi to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj primarily on the impact of the US ending waivers on import of oil from Iran, and ways to deal with it, official sources said. The Iranian Foreign Minister and Sushma Swaraj will also discuss the latest developments pertaining to the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was inked in 2015 that had then paved the way for the lifting of US sanctions on Iran. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Javad Zarif arrived at 11.45 PM on Monday and will depart at 2:30 PM on Wednesday. The Iranian foreign ministry in a release said, "Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will travel to the Indian capital of New Delhi to hold talks with Indian officials". Iranian FM will also visit other countries and brief about the deal, from which the US withdrew last year. Tehran is banking on the European Union to save the deal now. European Union’s (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Monday said, "As long as Iran remains compliant, we remain committed to implementing the Nuclear Deal and our stand is that the IAEA remains the only body to verify on Iran's compliance". Import of Iranian oil will also be up for discussion when Zarif meets Sushma since US waivers to Delhi on Iran sanctions came to end earlier this month. Iran is one of the supplier to crude oil to India. The India-Iran bilateral trade during the fiscal year 2016-17 was $12.89 billion with India importing $ 10.5 billion worth of goods mainly crude oil. The US had told India and other countries to cut oil imports from Iran to "zero" by November 4 or face sanctions. However, Washington had granted a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight countries, including India. The world's third-biggest oil consumer, India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. Iran is its third largest supplier after Iraq and Saudi Arabia and meets about 10 per cent of its total needs. This is Zarif's second visit to India this year. He met Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs Gen V K Singh in Doha at the ministerial meeting of Asian Cooperation Dialogue on 1 May.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visits India as US sanctions weigh in

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has described Tehran's threat to resume nuclear work -- in what would be a contravention of its commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- as a "bad reaction", calling on Tehran to show "political maturity".

"Iran has had a bad reaction, faced with a bad US decision to withdraw from the Vienna agreements and impose sanctions," Le Drian said in an interview published online by Le Parisien, referring to the 2015 deal signed in Vienna.

"It is a pity that the United States is not honouring its commitments, Iran must show its political maturity," Le Drian added.

Iran announced earlier this month that it will stop respecting some limits on its nuclear activities imposed under the landmark 2015 deal.

The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days.

Le Drian also warned against a "bellicose spiral", stressing the "responsibility" of the Americans and the importance of dialogue with Tehran.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has described Tehran's threat to resume nuclear work -- in what would be a contravention of its commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- as a "bad reaction", calling on Tehran to show "political maturity".

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has described Tehran's threat to resume nuclear work -- in what would be a contravention of its commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- as a "bad reaction", calling on Tehran to show "political maturity". "Iran has had a bad reaction, faced with a bad US decision to withdraw from the Vienna agreements and impose sanctions," Le Drian said in an interview published online by Le Parisien, referring to the 2015 deal signed in Vienna. "It is a pity that the United States is not honouring its commitments, Iran must show its political maturity," Le Drian added. Iran announced earlier this month that it will stop respecting some limits on its nuclear activities imposed under the landmark 2015 deal. The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days. Le Drian also warned against a "bellicose spiral", stressing the "responsibility" of the Americans and the importance of dialogue with Tehran.

French FM urges Iran to show 'political maturity' over US nuclear deal pullout

Iran announced on Wednesday it was scaling back curbs to its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-will-not-allow-nuclear-armed-iran-benjamin-netanyahu-216991"> nuclear programme</a> under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-resume-uranium-enrichment-if-world-powers-do-not-keep-nuclear-agreement-promise-rouhani-216939">2015 deal </a>with world powers and threatened to do more -- including enriching uranium to a higher level -- if countries did not shield it from US sanctions.

A year after Washington pulled out of the nuclear deal with Iran, President Hassan Rouhani unveiled measures that do not appear to violate the deal's terms yet, but could do so in the future if Iran were to persist on the course he set out.

Rouhani said Tehran would halt a programme to sell excess enriched uranium and heavy water to other countries, an arrangement used under the nuclear deal to keep its own stockpiles below permitted caps.

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And he threatened that in 60 days Iran would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low level permitted under the deal, unless the five other powers signed up to it find a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions.

"If the five countries came to the negotiating table and we reached an agreement, and if they could protect our interests in the oil and banking sectors, we will go back to square one," Rouhani said.

"The Iranian people and the world should know that today is not the end of the&nbsp;Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action&nbsp;(JCPOA)," he said, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "These are actions in line with the JCPOA."

The 2015 deal was signed between Iran, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.

Washington's European allies opposed President Donald Trump's decision to pull out. They have tried to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US sanctions in the hope of persuading Tehran to continue to abide by it. However, their efforts have largely failed, with all major European companies abandoning plans to do business with Iran for fear of US punishment.

France's defence minister said she wanted to keep the nuclear deal alive and warned Iran it could face more sanctions if it did not honour its part of the deal.

"Today nothing would be worse than Iran, itself, leaving this agreement," Florence Parly told BFM TV.

China said the agreement should be implemented and called on all sides to avoid an escalation of tensions.

Tensions

The weeks leading up to the anniversary of Trump's withdrawal from the agreement have seen a sharp tightening of US sanctions and an increase in tensions on other fronts.

From this month, Washington has effectively ordered countries around the world to stop buying any Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own, revoking waivers that had allowed some countries to continue buying Iranian oil. It says it aims to reduce Iranian crude exports to zero.

Washington has also blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards force as a terrorist organisation and Iran responded with threats to close the Gulf's strait of Hormuz if its ships were blocked there.

Washington announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf to counter what it says are Iranian threats. Tehran says the USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier that had already left the area under a scheduled rotation and calls the announcement "psychological warfare" based on old news.

The looming total ban on oil sales is likely to sharply increase the economic hardship for Iran's 80 million people, and finding a response is the biggest test yet for Rouhani, a pragmatist who has faced strong opposition from the hardline faction of Iran's leadership throughout his six years in office.

The nuclear deal was the flagship policy of Rouhani, who won two landslide elections on promises to end Iran's isolation and open its economy up to the world. The ultimate authority in Iran is in the hands of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a cleric in power since 1989, who signed off on the nuclear deal but remains close to the hardline faction that challenges Rouhani.

Washington's European allies say Trump's repudiation of the deal hurts the pragmatic wing of Iran's leadership and plays into the hands of hardliners. It means ordinary Iranians see no economic benefits from Rouhani's efforts to open the country.

The Trump administration argues that the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed because it is not permanent, does not address Iran's missile programme and does not punish Iran for meddling in the affairs of other countries.

Trump's hard line is backed by Israel and by Washington's Arab allies in the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which see Iran as a foe and which gain leverage over global oil prices by keeping Iranian crude off the market.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: "After a year of patience, Iran stops measures that US has made impossible to continue." Zarif said the remaining countries had a "narrowing window" to save the deal. 
&nbsp;

Iran announced on Wednesday it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme under a 2015 deal with world powers and threatened to do more -- including enriching uranium to a higher level -- if countries did not shield it from US sanctions.

Iran announced on Wednesday it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme under a 2015 deal with world powers and threatened to do more -- including enriching uranium to a higher level -- if countries did not shield it from US sanctions. A year after Washington pulled out of the nuclear deal with Iran, President Hassan Rouhani unveiled measures that do not appear to violate the deal's terms yet, but could do so in the future if Iran were to persist on the course he set out. Rouhani said Tehran would halt a programme to sell excess enriched uranium and heavy water to other countries, an arrangement used under the nuclear deal to keep its own stockpiles below permitted caps. × And he threatened that in 60 days Iran would resume enrichment of uranium beyond the low level permitted under the deal, unless the five other powers signed up to it find a way to protect Iran's oil and banking industries from US sanctions. "If the five countries came to the negotiating table and we reached an agreement, and if they could protect our interests in the oil and banking sectors, we will go back to square one," Rouhani said. "The Iranian people and the world should know that today is not the end of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," he said, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "These are actions in line with the JCPOA." The 2015 deal was signed between Iran, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions. Washington's European allies opposed President Donald Trump's decision to pull out. They have tried to find ways to blunt the economic impact of new US sanctions in the hope of persuading Tehran to continue to abide by it. However, their efforts have largely failed, with all major European companies abandoning plans to do business with Iran for fear of US punishment. France's defence minister said she wanted to keep the nuclear deal alive and warned Iran it could face more sanctions if it did not honour its part of the deal. "Today nothing would be worse than Iran, itself, leaving this agreement," Florence Parly told BFM TV. China said the agreement should be implemented and called on all sides to avoid an escalation of tensions. Tensions The weeks leading up to the anniversary of Trump's withdrawal from the agreement have seen a sharp tightening of US sanctions and an increase in tensions on other fronts. From this month, Washington has effectively ordered countries around the world to stop buying any Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own, revoking waivers that had allowed some countries to continue buying Iranian oil. It says it aims to reduce Iranian crude exports to zero. Washington has also blacklisted Iran's Revolutionary Guards force as a terrorist organisation and Iran responded with threats to close the Gulf's strait of Hormuz if its ships were blocked there. Washington announced the deployment of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf to counter what it says are Iranian threats. Tehran says the USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier that had already left the area under a scheduled rotation and calls the announcement "psychological warfare" based on old news. The looming total ban on oil sales is likely to sharply increase the economic hardship for Iran's 80 million people, and finding a response is the biggest test yet for Rouhani, a pragmatist who has faced strong opposition from the hardline faction of Iran's leadership throughout his six years in office. The nuclear deal was the flagship policy of Rouhani, who won two landslide elections on promises to end Iran's isolation and open its economy up to the world. The ultimate authority in Iran is in the hands of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a cleric in power since 1989, who signed off on the nuclear deal but remains close to the hardline faction that challenges Rouhani. Washington's European allies say Trump's repudiation of the deal hurts the pragmatic wing of Iran's leadership and plays into the hands of hardliners. It means ordinary Iranians see no economic benefits from Rouhani's efforts to open the country. The Trump administration argues that the deal, negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama, was flawed because it is not permanent, does not address Iran's missile programme and does not punish Iran for meddling in the affairs of other countries. Trump's hard line is backed by Israel and by Washington's Arab allies in the Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which see Iran as a foe and which gain leverage over global oil prices by keeping Iranian crude off the market. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: "After a year of patience, Iran stops measures that US has made impossible to continue." Zarif said the remaining countries had a "narrowing window" to save the deal.

Iran rolls back nuclear commitments under pact abandoned by Washington

&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has sought unconditional compensation from the fellow signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after the US pulled out of the Iran deal.

Taking to Twitter, Zarif said that the United States has violated international law by abandoning the agreement and Tehran expects unconditional compensation from other parties of JCPOA if Washington re-imposes nuclear-based sanctions on Iran.

"My letter to fellow foreign ministers on steps to take to address US` unlawful withdrawal from JCPOA.&nbsp; Its ever-expanding economic bullying requires action to save not just the accord, but multilateralism and the rule of law," Zarif tweeted.

If JCPOA is to survive, the remaining JCPOA participants and other economic partners need to ensure that Iran is compensated unconditionally through appropriate national, regional and global measures," Sputnik quoted Zarif as saying.

The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, earlier in a tweet, accused Germany, France and the United Kingdom for staying silent when the United States violated the 2015 agreement.

Zarif also condemned the US secretary of State Mike Pompeo as he threatened to impose the "strongest sanctions in the history" of Iran, last month.

On&nbsp;May 8, US President Donald Trump announced the Washington withdrawal from the JCPOA which limited the country's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

Calling the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core", he also warned of severe consequences if Iran resumes its nuclear programme.

The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has sought unconditional compensation from the fellow signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after the US pulled out of the Iran deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has sought unconditional compensation from the fellow signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after the US pulled out of the Iran deal. Taking to Twitter, Zarif said that the United States has violated international law by abandoning the agreement and Tehran expects unconditional compensation from other parties of JCPOA if Washington re-imposes nuclear-based sanctions on Iran. "My letter to fellow foreign ministers on steps to take to address US` unlawful withdrawal from JCPOA. Its ever-expanding economic bullying requires action to save not just the accord, but multilateralism and the rule of law," Zarif tweeted. If JCPOA is to survive, the remaining JCPOA participants and other economic partners need to ensure that Iran is compensated unconditionally through appropriate national, regional and global measures," Sputnik quoted Zarif as saying. The supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, earlier in a tweet, accused Germany, France and the United Kingdom for staying silent when the United States violated the 2015 agreement. Zarif also condemned the US secretary of State Mike Pompeo as he threatened to impose the "strongest sanctions in the history" of Iran, last month. On May 8, US President Donald Trump announced the Washington withdrawal from the JCPOA which limited the country's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Calling the accord as an "embarrassment" that was "defective at its core", he also warned of severe consequences if Iran resumes its nuclear programme. The Iran nuclear deal was signed between six countries in 2015 - Iran, US, Britain, Germany, Russia, France and China for lifting economic sanctions on Tehran in exchange for limitations to the country's nuclear programme.

Iran asks JCPOA's signatories for unconditional compensation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw.&nbsp;

The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it.

"I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security".

After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power.&nbsp;

He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East.&nbsp;

While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war.&nbsp;

"An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether."

The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues.&nbsp;

Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat.&nbsp;

Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment.

If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel.

On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran&nbsp;within 15 days.

According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action.

Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave.

The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran.

Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low.&nbsp;

Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe Monday to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew. Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw. The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it. "I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said on Monday of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security". After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power. He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria. But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East. While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war. "An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said on Tuesday. "The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether." The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues. Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it. "There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat. Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment. If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel. On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran within 15 days. According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action. Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave. The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border. But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran. Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low. Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push hard line on Iran during Europe trip

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized pomp and ceremony on Monday as Macron began a state visit to Washington likely to be dominated by differences with the United States over trade and the nuclear accord with Iran.

As Macron headed to the United States, the Iranian government urged European leaders to convince Trump not to tear up the 2015 deal between Tehran and six world powers.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298">Either all or </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298">nothing,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298"> says Iran foreign minister on&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298"> deal</a>

The French president said on Sunday there was no "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/frances-president-says-he-has-no-plan-b-for-iran-nuclear-deal-132121">Plan B</a>" for keeping a lid on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

He is on something of a rescue mission for what is formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump has said he would scrap unless European allies fix by mid-May what he calls "terrible flaws."

"This visit is very important in our current context, with so many uncertainties, troubles and at times threats," Macron said in French remarks as he arrived in Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on European leaders to support the agreement.

"It is either all or nothing. European leaders should encourage Trump not just to stay in the nuclear deal, but more important to begin implementing his part of the bargain in good faith," Zarif wrote on Twitter.

The deal reached between six powers - all of whom but Germany are nuclear-armed - and Tehran put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Minutes after Macron touched down in the United States, the White House said it had no announcements on the Iran deal.

"The president has been extremely clear that he thinks it's a bad deal. That certainly has not changed," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

Macron said on "Fox News Sunday" it would be better to protect the deal instead of getting rid of it. "Is this agreement perfect and this JCPOA a perfect thing for our relationship with Iran? No. But for nuclear, what do you have as a better option? I don't see it," he said.

CHARM OFFENSIVE

Macron's visit is the first time Trump has hosted a state visit since he took power in January 2017. While the French leader has tried to develop a close relationship with Trump since he took office last May, he has so far seen few tangible results on issues from Iran to climate politics.

Macron and his wife, Brigitte, shortly after their arrival at the Blair House residence, took quickly to the streets of Washington, walking past the White House complex to the Lincoln Memorial and greeting tourists.

Macron brought with him an oak tree sapling for planting on the South Lawn of the White House. The tree came from the Belleau Woods, site of a World War One battle in 1918 where 9,000 Americans died. Trump and Macron shovelled dirt on the freshly planted tree as the cameras clicked. "France is a very special country," said Trump. "It's a great honour."

Trump and his wife, Melania, and the Macrons then flew aboard Trump's Marine One helicopter to dine at Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, the first U.S. president and Revolutionary War commander whose alliance with France was critical to victory over the British.

The Trumps and Macrons spent about two hours at Mount Vernon. "We had a great dinner," President Trump told reporters as they boarded the helicopter for the return trip to the White House.

Working meetings will be held at the White House on Tuesday before Macron addresses the U.S. Congress the following day, the anniversary of the day French General Charles de Gaulle addressed a joint session of Congress in 1960.

Trump and Macron began their friendship a year ago in Belgium with a jaw-clenching handshake. While some other European leaders have kept a distance from Trump, Macron has worked hard to remain close to the U.S. president. The two leaders speak frequently by phone.

TRADE TALKS

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme was for peaceful purposes.

Macron also wants to persuade Trump to exempt European nations from metal tariffs that are part of the U.S. president's plan to reduce chronic trade deficits with countries around the world, chiefly China.

His visit comes at a time of mounting alarm in Europe over the effect that U.S. sanctions on Russia will have on their own manufacturing industries.

French officials said Paris and other European governments were coordinating efforts to persuade Trump to ease sanctions on Russia, including measures against Russian aluminium producers.

"There are concerns raised by the extraterritoriality effects of the new sets of sanctions," a French finance ministry source said. "Europeans ... have jointly warned the U.S. administration about the economic impact and consequences and the need to find solutions."

The official said France, Germany, Italy and Ireland were working together on the matter. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold talks with Trump in Washington later in the week.

Macron and Trump are also due to discuss Syria less than two weeks after the United States, France and Britain launched air strikes there in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack that killed dozens.

Macron said last week he believed he had persuaded Trump to keep U.S. troops in Syria, though Trump has been insistent on bringing them home.

As Macron headed to the United States, the Iranian government urged European leaders to convince Trump not to tear up the 2015 deal between Tehran and six world powers

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized pomp and ceremony on Monday as Macron began a state visit to Washington likely to be dominated by differences with the United States over trade and the nuclear accord with Iran. As Macron headed to the United States, the Iranian government urged European leaders to convince Trump not to tear up the 2015 deal between Tehran and six world powers. Also read: Either all or nothing, says Iran foreign minister on nuclear deal The French president said on Sunday there was no "Plan B" for keeping a lid on Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He is on something of a rescue mission for what is formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump has said he would scrap unless European allies fix by mid-May what he calls "terrible flaws." "This visit is very important in our current context, with so many uncertainties, troubles and at times threats," Macron said in French remarks as he arrived in Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on European leaders to support the agreement. "It is either all or nothing. European leaders should encourage Trump not just to stay in the nuclear deal, but more important to begin implementing his part of the bargain in good faith," Zarif wrote on Twitter. The deal reached between six powers - all of whom but Germany are nuclear-armed - and Tehran put curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Minutes after Macron touched down in the United States, the White House said it had no announcements on the Iran deal. "The president has been extremely clear that he thinks it's a bad deal. That certainly has not changed," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Macron said on "Fox News Sunday" it would be better to protect the deal instead of getting rid of it. "Is this agreement perfect and this JCPOA a perfect thing for our relationship with Iran? No. But for nuclear, what do you have as a better option? I don't see it," he said. CHARM OFFENSIVE Macron's visit is the first time Trump has hosted a state visit since he took power in January 2017. While the French leader has tried to develop a close relationship with Trump since he took office last May, he has so far seen few tangible results on issues from Iran to climate politics. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, shortly after their arrival at the Blair House residence, took quickly to the streets of Washington, walking past the White House complex to the Lincoln Memorial and greeting tourists. Macron brought with him an oak tree sapling for planting on the South Lawn of the White House. The tree came from the Belleau Woods, site of a World War One battle in 1918 where 9,000 Americans died. Trump and Macron shovelled dirt on the freshly planted tree as the cameras clicked. "France is a very special country," said Trump. "It's a great honour." Trump and his wife, Melania, and the Macrons then flew aboard Trump's Marine One helicopter to dine at Mount Vernon, the Virginia home of George Washington, the first U.S. president and Revolutionary War commander whose alliance with France was critical to victory over the British. The Trumps and Macrons spent about two hours at Mount Vernon. "We had a great dinner," President Trump told reporters as they boarded the helicopter for the return trip to the White House. Working meetings will be held at the White House on Tuesday before Macron addresses the U.S. Congress the following day, the anniversary of the day French General Charles de Gaulle addressed a joint session of Congress in 1960. Trump and Macron began their friendship a year ago in Belgium with a jaw-clenching handshake. While some other European leaders have kept a distance from Trump, Macron has worked hard to remain close to the U.S. president. The two leaders speak frequently by phone. TRADE TALKS Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme was for peaceful purposes. Macron also wants to persuade Trump to exempt European nations from metal tariffs that are part of the U.S. president's plan to reduce chronic trade deficits with countries around the world, chiefly China. His visit comes at a time of mounting alarm in Europe over the effect that U.S. sanctions on Russia will have on their own manufacturing industries. French officials said Paris and other European governments were coordinating efforts to persuade Trump to ease sanctions on Russia, including measures against Russian aluminium producers. "There are concerns raised by the extraterritoriality effects of the new sets of sanctions," a French finance ministry source said. "Europeans ... have jointly warned the U.S. administration about the economic impact and consequences and the need to find solutions." The official said France, Germany, Italy and Ireland were working together on the matter. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold talks with Trump in Washington later in the week. Macron and Trump are also due to discuss Syria less than two weeks after the United States, France and Britain launched air strikes there in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack that killed dozens. Macron said last week he believed he had persuaded Trump to keep U.S. troops in Syria, though Trump has been insistent on bringing them home.

France's Macron visits Trump as Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance

US slammed Iran for overstepping of the limit on its stock of sensitive material for the second time this year at UN&#39;s International Atomic Energy (IAEA) on Thursday.&nbsp;

The IAEA which is regulating the deal said Iran violating the terms of the deal could undermine US support for the nuclear agreement, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between the countries last year.&nbsp;

US ambassador to the IAEA, Laura Holgate, said &quot;Iran must strictly adhere to all commitments and technical measures for their duration.&quot;

The clause limits Iran&#39;s stock of heavy water which is used as a mdoerator in reactors. The clause stipulates more than 130 tonnes of heavy water should not be used.&nbsp;

&quot;We note with concern Iran&#39;s accumulation of heavy water in excess of the limit set forth in the JCPOA of 130 metric tonnes,&quot; Holgate said.&nbsp;

Iran&#39;s envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi said the country is planning to export more than five tonnes of heavy water to come back under the 130 tonne limit. Iran had notified the IAEA about its plans to excceed the original limit.&nbsp;

However, Holgate said Iran will violate the deal until the heavy water was delivered to a foreign buyer as per the deal&#39;s requirement.&nbsp;

&quot;Simply notifying states that this heavy water is for sale without removing it from Iran does not fulfil this JCPOA commitment,&quot; she said.

Iran said the issue was not that clear-cut.

&nbsp;Najafi responded with &quot;Where is (the) limit?&quot;

&quot;The JCPOA is very clear,&quot; he added. &quot;It says that the needs of Iran are estimated (to be) 130 tonnes. Who is the native English speaker to tell me what estimated means?&quot;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The clause limits Iran's stock of heavy water which is used as a moderator in reactors and the estimated requirement is set for 130 tonnes

US slammed Iran for overstepping of the limit on its stock of sensitive material for the second time this year at UN's International Atomic Energy (IAEA) on Thursday. The IAEA which is regulating the deal said Iran violating the terms of the deal could undermine US support for the nuclear agreement, Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between the countries last year. US ambassador to the IAEA, Laura Holgate, said "Iran must strictly adhere to all commitments and technical measures for their duration." The clause limits Iran's stock of heavy water which is used as a mdoerator in reactors. The clause stipulates more than 130 tonnes of heavy water should not be used. "We note with concern Iran's accumulation of heavy water in excess of the limit set forth in the JCPOA of 130 metric tonnes," Holgate said. Iran's envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi said the country is planning to export more than five tonnes of heavy water to come back under the 130 tonne limit. Iran had notified the IAEA about its plans to excceed the original limit. However, Holgate said Iran will violate the deal until the heavy water was delivered to a foreign buyer as per the deal's requirement. "Simply notifying states that this heavy water is for sale without removing it from Iran does not fulfil this JCPOA commitment," she said. Iran said the issue was not that clear-cut. Najafi responded with "Where is (the) limit?" "The JCPOA is very clear," he added. "It says that the needs of Iran are estimated (to be) 130 tonnes. Who is the native English speaker to tell me what estimated means?" (WION with inputs from Reuters)

US, Iran clash over Tehran's testing of limit in nuclear deal