Iran plans to return to the 2015 international nuclear deal under which it swore off the pursuit of nuclear weapons in exchange for eased sanctions - which it began to ignore after the US pulled out, the Iranian President said on Monday.
"[US President Donald] Trump and a few people holding grudges in Iran want to wipe the deal away ... but we have not allowed that and we will continue not to allow that," said Hassan Rowhani during a press conference.
Adhering to the terms of the deal could mean an end to sanctions and the country's economic crisis, he said, which means it is in the national interest.
"We shouldn't let unnecessary side topics like domestic quarrels lead us to lose sight of this main prize," said Rowhani.
Rowhani was referring to a law pushed through the legislature earlier this month by hardliners that would allow the government to ramp up uranium enrichment processes and block or even throw out international nuclear inspectors. The law contradicts multiple parts of the 2015 deal.
He noted that allowing the new law to take effect would not only poison relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency, but would make it harder to re-enter negotiations with the US once new president Joe Biden takes office next month.
"The new law in parliament was not smart," Rowhani said, noting that Iran needs solutions, not new problems.
Rowhani said he was convinced Iran could work out its differences with the US under Biden.
"As soon as the US returns to the deal, then we will do the same. ... It would be easy to do and could be done quickly."
The deal was signed by the last US administration, in which Biden was vice president.
Latest Stories
-
Diplo Rumble: Azumah, EU Ambassador settle for draw in exhibition fight
23 mins -
Mahama is coming to correct your errors – Nii Lante Vanderpuye to Akufo-Addo
24 mins -
Expect fierce rainstorms in the coming weeks – Ghana Meteo warns residents in Northern, Oti regions
32 mins -
Bahamas 2024: ‘There was no time to blame anyone’ – Azamati on reaction after baton drop
33 mins -
Don’t kill me – Mother of three escapes death after vicious attack by husband
42 mins -
JoySports’ Muftawu Nabila donates furniture to Duu Basic School in North East region
49 mins -
AI Economy in Africa: A step towards Africa’s industrialisation
55 mins -
Bahamas 2024: ‘I knew it was game over after receiving the baton from Azamati’ – Joe Paul
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
1 hour -
Ghanaians benefit from AI Africa stimulus project
1 hour -
Gideon Mensah and Elisha Owusu secure Ligue 1 promotion with Auxerre
2 hours -
Racing towards health: Why you should join 2024 KGL Foundation Millennium Marathon
2 hours -
Banking giant BNP Paribas exits South Africa
2 hours -
Attorney General unveils 8 legislations in corruption fight
2 hours -
Police clash with civilians at Dambai, teenager killed
2 hours