Rouhani Says Top Priority is to Protect Nuclear Deal from U.S.

W300

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said Sunday the top foreign policy priority for his new government was to protect the nuclear deal from being torn up by the United States.

"The most important job of our foreign minister is first to stand behind the JCPOA, and not to allow the US and other enemies to succeed," Rouhani told parliament, using the technical name for the 2015 deal that eased sanctions in exchange for curbs to Iran's nuclear program. 

"Standing up for the JCPOA means standing up to Iran's enemies," he said on the last day of debates over his cabinet selections.

Rouhani indicated a week ago that Iran was ready to walk out on the nuclear deal if the United States continued to apply fresh sanctions.

It has come under mounting pressure after Tehran carried out missile tests and Washington imposed new sanctions -- with each accusing the other of violating the spirit of the agreement.

But Rouhani has insisted the deal remains the preferred way forward, not least to help rebuild Iran's struggling economy and create jobs. 

"The second responsibility of the foreign ministry... is to get involved in economic activities. It should help attract foreign investment and technology," Rouhani said.

He was addressing lawmakers ahead of votes of confidence on his ministerial choices. 

Rouhani, a political moderate, began his second term earlier this month after winning a resounding victory over a hardline challenger in May.

He has vowed to continue his outreach to the world, and to improve civil liberties at home, but has been criticized by reformists for again failing to select a single female minister.

Comments 5
Thumb commirade.vlad over 6 years

More drama from the aussie drama queen. Old pal Bibi does not need top ask, protecting Israel's border with Syria is our job one. Just like it was when President Hafez Assad was alive and is after his son inherited the country. When rouhani came begging me to save him and bashar, Israel's welfare was the first condition if we were to help. Do svidaniya mate!

Thumb commirade.vlad over 6 years

Yevgeni Doonkof Backov? He's in jail because he did not respect my authority, so be careful champ.

Thumb commirade.vlad over 6 years

and it's a pleasure to see that rouhani is enjoying the vodka we sent him, nazdarovya!

Thumb i.report over 6 years

Towelhead!

Missing humble over 6 years

Iranium backaged culture.