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Iran Warns Nuclear Deal in Danger if US Does Not Ease Sanctions

VOA News

   Iran's foreign minister warned that the Iran nuclear deal could be
   further jeopardized if the U.S. does not ease sanctions against the
   Middle Eastern power by Feb. 21.

   Mohammad Javad Zarif, in an interview published Saturday in the Iranian
   newspaper Hamshahri, said recently passed legislation compels the
   government to harden its position on the issue. He also noted the
   possible June election of a hardline president could further endanger
   the pact.

   "Time is running out for the Americans, both because of the parliament
   bill and the election atmosphere that will follow the Iranian New
   Year," Zarif said.

   Iran's new year starts on March 21, three months after a parliament led
   by hardliners passed legislation establishing a two-month deadline for
   easing the sanctions.

   In 2018, former U.S. president Donald Trump withdrew from the deal
   signed in 2015 by Iran and several other world powers, alleging it
   failed to curb Iran's missile program and its growing influence in the
   Middle East.

   Iran announced last month it had resumed enriching uranium up to 20%
   purity at its Fordow enrichment plant, a level it attained before the
   agreement was reached. Iranian officials said last week enrichment
   capacity was increased at its Natanz facility.

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