Shutterstock
Iran has partially backed out of a pivotal nuclear deal it signed in 2015 with the United States and five other nuclear nations.
The move comes a year after the U.S. completely backed out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to the dismay of other signatories Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia.
Iran President Hassan Rouhani cited the move as a response to the strict limitations on Iran’s exportation of heavy water and uranium. Before, Iran was able to sell these materials to other countries. With the current restrictions in place, Rouhani claims Iran will now keep its excess production.
The action also comes shortly after the U.S. cut off Iran’s oil reserves, labeled its Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group, and deployed a carrier and bomber strike group to the region,
Unless the active signatories lighten additional restrictions on Iran’s banking and oil industries within the next two months, Iran says it will pull out of the deal completely.
The JCPOA’s initial intent was to limit Iran’s nuclear development capabilities in exchange for lifting the economy-crippling sanctions placed on the country.
