- Khamenei Sees No Hope of Europe Salvaging Iran Nuclear Deal
by Ladane Nasseri, https://www.bloomberg.com/
* Top leader signals patience is running out in Tehran
* European powers still attempting to shore up troubled pact
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Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Iran should stop pinning its hopes on Europe saving the international nuclear deal battered by the U.S. withdrawal, as he signaled his nation too may exit the agreement.
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“There is no problem with continuing relations and negotiations with Europe, but hope should be abandoned regarding matters such as the nuclear deal,” Khamenei said in a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and members of his cabinet, according to the leader’s website. The accord “is not an end but a means and naturally, if we get to the conclusion that this tool doesn’t allow us to stand by our national interests, we will set it aside.”
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The comments suggest patience is running out in Iran as the resumption of U.S. sanctions has extended a slump in the currency, forced major global companies to backtrack on investment plans for the Islamic Republic, and emboldened conservative critics of President Hassan Rouhani.
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Officials have in the past said that Iran would continue to stick to the curbs imposed on its nuclear program, and undergo a strict inspections regime, as long as it reaps commercial benefits from pact. But companies including Daimler AG and Total SA have instead been walking away, concerned they may fall foul of American penalties.
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https://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2018/08/30/khamenei-sees-no-hope-of-europe-salvaging-iran-nuclear-deal/