Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian called for Europe’s “constructive” act to protect Tehran’s nuclear interests, which were harmed after Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

The “illegal” US measures in 2018 to exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and re-impose sanctions on Iran, as well as European countries’ “inaction” in this regard, are responsible for the current unfavorable situation, Amir Abdollahian said in a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

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Unfortunately, the current US government has continued to use sanctions as a tool to put pressure on Tehran, the Xinhua news agency quoted the Iranian Minister as saying. “However, it should know that we do not surrender in the face of such pressures,” Amir Abdollahian said, urging Europe’s “constructive role by adopting tactful positions in the area”.

The Iranian foreign minister asserted that the US, through its departure from the agreement, and its resumption of the oppressive sanctions against “the great Iranian nation,” and the European side due to its refusal to take action on the American violations had brought about the status quo concerning the agreement.

“The Islamic Republic is prepared to take part in the negotiations which would bring tangible results” in protecting Iran’s rights and interests, he was quoted as saying.

Le Drian, for his part, expressed the hope that negotiations on the revival of the JCPOA will resume and will result in fruition.

The JCPOA Joint Commission, attended by the US delegation indirectly, began in-person talks on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions over a possible return of Washington to the agreement and how to ensure the full and effective implementation of the deal.

After six rounds of talks, the parties have said serious differences remain between Iran and the US for the revitalization of the deal.