Iranian diplomat kicks off tour to save nuclear deal

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif set off on a tour of European countries on Saturday as Iran’s government attempts to save the multinational Iran nuclear agreement that President Trump pulled out of this week.

Reuters reported that Zarif will meet with other European signatories of the deal, as Iran hopes to preserve parts of the agreement that protected the country’s economy from sanctions targeting oil and other industries.

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Iranian state television reported that Zarif will first stop in Beijing and then in Moscow before heading to Europe.

“Iran has asked the European Union and particularly Germany, France and Britain to announce as soon as possible their stand on how Iran’s interests can be fulfilled and guaranteed under the nuclear agreement after America’s withdrawal,” a state TV report said, according to Reuters.

Trump announced that the U.S. would exit the deal on Tuesday at a ceremony at the White House, calling his decision an end to “empty threats” in the Middle East.

“Today’s action sends a critical message: the United States no longer makes empty threats,” he said. “[The deal] didn’t bring calm, it didn’t bring peace, and it never will.”

Iran has pledged to restart its program to enrich uranium if the deal collapses. The leaders of France, Germany, and the U.K. released a joint statement on Tuesday condemning the Trump administration’s decision and reaffirming their commitment to the agreement.

“Our governments remain committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld, and will work with all the remaining parties to the deal to ensure this remains the case including through ensuring the continuing economic benefits to the Iranian people that are linked to the agreement,” the leaders said.