UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges remaining parties to abide by Iran deal

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement that he was deeply concerned regarding withdrawal of US from the deal and urged the remaining parties of the deal to abide by their commitments. 

European Union's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini has said that the EU is determined to preserve the Iran nuclear deal despite the US withdrawal. She said that EU will remain committed to the deal as long as Iran continues to implement its nuclear-related commitments. 

Britain, France and Germany have criticised US move to withdraw from the deal. In a joint statement issued with France and Germany, British Prime Minister Theresa May said she regretted Donald Trump's decision to exit the 2015 agreement.

Russia's foreign ministry said Moscow was deeply disappointed by US President Donald Trump's decision to abandon the Iran nuclear deal. In response to the US decision, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would bypass Washington and negotiate with the other signatories of the deal. 

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong



support for US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. A regional rival of Iran and longtime US ally Saudi Arabia said that it supports Trump's decision.

The historic nuclear deal was reached in Vienna in July 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council US, UK, France, China and Russia along with Germany and the European Union.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action curbed Iran's nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions that had been imposed by the UN, US and EU. The deal was signature foreign policy achievement of former US President Barack Obama but repeatedly criticised by incumbent President Donald Trump. 

Mr Trump has alleged that the deal gave Iran millions in cash and did not prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. The withdrawal also fulfils one of Mr Trump’s election campaign promises. 

US President has warned that any nation which helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons will face strong sanctions by the United States.