Iran's Khamenei warns government about deception by European states

DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday warned his country’s government not to be deceived by European signatories of the nuclear deal with major powers, now under threat after a US withdrawal.

“America’s enmity towards Iran is obvious. Our enemies’ heart is full of enmity towards the Islamic Republic … our officials should not be deceived by the Europeans … don’t be fooled by Europeans,” Khamenei said, state TV reported.

Washington’s major European allies opposed US President Donald Trump’s decision to abandon the deal and have been trying to salvage the pact.

The United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on May 8, 2018, after President Donald Trump concluded it was not in US interests. The administration argued that the windfall from trade would go to finance Iran’s regional military activities, and there was no guarantee it would not resume nuclear weapons development after the deal expired.

Washington has since restored tough sanctions that were in place before the deal was reached.

The remaining five signatories to the JCPOA – Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia – have distanced themselves from Trump’s move and have supported continued commercial engagement with Tehran.

But, as many European companies have pulled out under pressure from US sanctions, those countries have backed an EU effort to set up a special payment system in an attempt to continue trade and business ties with Iran.