Iranian government abandons nuclear deal in response to  Soleimani's death

Tehran: The Iranian government has announced that it would abandon the nuclear deal signed with several world powers in 2015, in response to the US drone attack that killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, adding that it will continue cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to the official statement on Sunday, Tehran said it will no longer abide by any of the limits on enriching uranium contained in the nuclear deal after the January 3 attack, reports Efe news.

“The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has in a statement announced its fifth and final step in reducing Iran’s commitments under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action),” Iranian state television said.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran no longer faces any limitations in operations,” it added, although the regime did not specify what levels it would move to in terms of enriched uranium and other areas.

One provision in the pact blocks Iran from acquiring or enriching enough nuclear material - i.e. uranium - to build an atomic weapon.

Tehran had been limited to having about 6,100 centrifuges that can enrich uranium, but the Islamic Republic now says it will no longer abide by that limit. Starting now, Iran says that its nuclear program will be developed based only on its “technical needs”, the announcement added that came after a cabinet meeting in Tehran presided over by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Despite its refusal to adhere to the provisions of the nuclear pact, the Iranian government did not actually announce its withdrawal from the deal, which was abandoned in May 2018 by the Donald Trump administration, which reimposed a set of onerous sanctions on Iran.

Last May, Tehran began to gradually cease complying with its nuclear commitments and gave two-month deadlines or ultimatums to the other parties to the pact - Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany - to counteract the US sanctions.

Iran says it will maintain its cooperation with the IAEA, just as before, meaning that Tehran will continue allowing inspections of its nuclear facilities by experts from the international organization. (IANS)

Also Read: Major General Qasem Soleimani, funeral processions take place across the countr

Also Watch: Torch Relay of 3rd Khelo India Youth Games received by District Administration in Kokrajhar