In remarks on Wednesday, Salehi said a recent statement from the three European parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) about their plan to trigger the dispute mechanism in the nuclear deal reveals Europe’s inability and imprudence in the face of the US’ demands.
His criticism came after the Washington Post reported last week that the US administration has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European automobile imports if Britain, France and Germany do not formally accuse Iran of breaking the JCPOA.
The three European countries have triggered a dispute mechanism under the agreement, which could lead to the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions against Iran lifted under the JCPOA.
In a tweet on January 15, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif lashed out at the three European parties for failing to live up to their commitments under the JCPOA and for “selling their integrity” for fear of US’ bullying tactics.
“Appeasement confirmed. E3 sold out remnants of #JCPOA to avoid new Trump tariffs. It won't work my friends. You only whet his appetite. Remember your high school bully? If you want to sell your integrity, go ahead. But DO NOT assume high moral/legal ground. YOU DON'T HAVE IT,” Zarif told the European parties to the JCPOA.
In May 2018, US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the JCPOA.
Iran and the remaining parties launched talks to save the JCPOA after the US withdrawal, but the three EU parties to the deal have failed to ensure Iran’s economic interests.
The EU’s inaction forced Tehran to stop honoring certain commitments to the nuclear deal.
Iran maintains that the new measures are not designed to harm the JCPOA but to save the accord by creating a balance in the commitments.