World

Iran nuclear deal: Envoy starts diplomatic tour after US withdrawal

May 13, 2018 4:13 pm

Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has begun a diplomatic tour to seek assurances that signatories to a landmark nuclear deal will back it despite its abandonment by the US.

Mr Zarif said on his first stop, China, that he hoped to secure a “clear future design” for the agreement.

The US will re-impose sanctions on Iran and firms dealing with it could be hit, angering signatories like France.

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President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped Iran could stay in the agreement.

“If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement, Iran will remain in the deal despite the will of America,” he said.

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The 2015 agreement sought to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.