Iran issues warning for Trump over nuclear deal

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned United States President Donald Trump to remain in the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers in 2015, or face “severe consequences”.

“I am telling those in the White House that if they do not live up to their commitments, the Iranian Government will react firmly,” Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television. “If anyone betrays the deal, they should know that they would face severe consequences.”

Rouhani’s comments came as Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Washington for talks where Iran was likely to be high on the agenda.

As Macron headed to the US on Monday, the Iranian Government urged European leaders to convince Trump not to tear up the 2015 deal between Tehran and six world powers.

The French President said on Monday there was no “Plan B” for keeping a lid on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. He is on something of a rescue mission for what is formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump has said he would scrap unless European allies fix by mid-May what he calls “terrible flaws”. “

This visit is very important in our current context, with so many uncertainties, troubles and at times threats,” Macron said in French as he arrived in Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on European leaders to support the agreement. “It is either all or nothing. European leaders should encourage Trump not just to stay in the nuclear deal, but more important to begin implementing his part of the bargain in good faith.” Zarif wrote on Twitter.

— Reuters