Leader: Iran to torch JCPOA if US tears it out

'We do not violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but if the opposite side violates it as the US presidential candidates are threatening to rip it apart, we will burn it if they tear it out,' Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with the heads of the three branches of power, high-ranking officials and different government bodies and armed forces on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan here in Tehran on Tuesday.

Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks came in reaction to the threats by some US presidential hopefuls to scrap last year’s nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the G5+1 group of countries, saying the Islamic Republic will strongly respond to any such move.

“I have repeatedly reiterated that the country must grow in power and that we must promote our potentialities,” the Supreme Leader pointed out.

'It is only then that Iranian officials can expect the nation to have peace of mind,' he added.

The Iranian leader reiterated that the US failed so far to fulfill a major part of its commitments under the JCPOA.

On the contrary, Iran has abided by its commitments such as abiding by its 20 percent uranium enrichment as well as Fordo and Arak nuclear facilities.

“The other side was duty-bound to lift the sanctions under the JCPOA which it has not done; The banking issues have not been solved; the issue of the insurance of oil tankers is implemented at a limited level,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“The oil payment and our assets which we have in other countries are not returned to us,” the Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that it is a misconception that the Islamic Republic of Iran can come to terms with the US, and said, 'We cannot rely on illusions.”

The Supreme Leader said Washington's problem with Iran is the very existence of the Islamic Republic which cannot be negotiated.

'What has the Islamic Republic of Iran done with France? Why Did France play the role of bad police in the nuclear talks and why the Netherlands and Canada are showing hostility to US,' Ayatollah Khamenei argued.

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