EU high-rep to defend Iran deal in Washington

'The European Union is committed to the continued full and effective implementation of all parts of the Iran nuclear deal. The Foreign ministers of the 28 EU member states reaffirmed the unanimous support to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in a statement agreed during the monthly Foreign Affairs Council and read in front of the press by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini,' According to EEAS website.

'In the statement, the EU also underlined that the lifting of nuclear related sanctions has had a positive impact on trade and economic relations with Iran including benefits for the Iranian people. The deal 'strengthens cooperation and allows for continuous dialogue with Iran,' Confirmed the statement.'

'The European Union considers President Trump's decision not to certify Iran's compliance with the Joint Comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA) as being in the context of an internal US process. The EU encourages the US to maintain its commitment to the JCPOA and to consider the implications for the security of the US, its partners and the region before taking further steps.'

Arriving at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Mogherini said she spoke to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano who assured her that Iran has complied with every provision contained in the deal and given full access to the agency's inspectors. The IAEA has verified 8 times to date that Iran is implementing all its nuclear-related commitments following a comprehensive and strict monitoring system.'

US President Donald Trump on Friday took a new strategy toward Iran and decertified Tehran's commitment to the 2015 landmark nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Trump's approach has been criticized by many countries, international bodies, political communities and world media.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a televised message shortly after Trump's speech said his remarks were 'nothing but a handful of baseless and empty allegations against the Iranian nation.'

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