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US has no reasons to quit nuclear deal with Iran, says Spanish foreign minister

We refuse to accept the US ultimatum," Josep Borrell said

MADRID, November 6. /TASS/. Spain believes that the United States has no reasons for quitting the Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian nuclear program, Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

"We refuse to accept the US ultimatum," Borrell said. "The EU, including Spain, is critical of the United States’ decision regarding Iran, which harms the economic aspect and security. According to the information at our disposal Iran complies with the terms of the agreement and the United States has no reason for quitting it."

At the same time he stressed Madrid’s interest in maintaining a good relationship with Washington.

"But the EU and Spain are pushing ahead with their own policy," he added.

US President Donald Trump declared Washington’s walkout from the 2015 nuclear deal, which imposed restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear research in exchange for the lifting of UN Security Council’s sanctions and unilateral restrictive measures taken by the United States and the European Union. Trump promised not only to restore the canceled sanctions, but also to introduce new ones. The US Department of State declared the intention to reduce Iran’s oil export revenue to nothing.

Part of the US sanctions resumed on August 7. These restrictive measures encompassed Iran’s automotive sector and trade in gold and a number of metals. More sanctions, including those against Iran’s oil industry came into effect on November 5.