Azernews.Az

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russia’s Federation Council urges the U.S. Congress to use all opportunities to preserve Iranian nuclear deal, according to the draft statement, which is expected to be adopted by the chamber on October 25.

The Council’s International Committee considered and supported the document on October 23, RIA Novosti reported.

"The Federation Council appeals to the members of the U.S. Congress with an urgent request to use all possible resources to prevent the emergence of this extremely dangerous situation," the document said.

The Federation Council also calls on the parliaments of Germany, France, China, Great Britain and the European Parliament "to use their high influence on the political leadership of their states in order to maintain the historic agreement on the Iranian nuclear program."

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed the view that the EU would have supported U.S. sanctions on Iran if he was insistent. But, according to the U.S. president, he allowed Germany and France to keep making money with Tehran as America was capable of putting pressure on Iranians on its own.

On October 13, U.S. President Donald Trump, long been known as the main critic of the landmark deal, declared his view of the JCPOA, saying that he would not certify Iran’s compliance with the deal. At the same time he did not challenge the compliance of Iran at the international level. The move paves the way for Congress to put new restrictions on Iran.

However, it is believed that Trump would not recommend the Congress to re-impose sanctions in order to reach a compromise with many congressional leaders who stand for keeping the deal at least with some changes.

In case sanctions are applied, the United States would find itself in breach of its commitments. This means a unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, which will damage the reputation of the U.S. in the eyes of world community.

The Iran nuclear deal was negotiated in July 2015 between Iran, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany. By ratifying the plan, Iran agreed to scale down its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

At the same time, the U.S. retains sanctions against Iran on the missile program, human rights and on suspicion that Tehran sponsors terrorism.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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