Astounding Response Would Follow JCPOA Collapse

Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said if the 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers falls apart, the Islamic Republic will take measures that will “astound” other parties to the deal.

Addressing a ceremony on Sunday, Salehi noted that if the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, collapses, no other international convention would be considered strong enough and “we hope this will not happen”, Press TV reported.

However, Iran’s nuclear chief added, “If it falls through, we will [take appropriate measures that will] astound them.”

Salehi emphasized that JCPOA has been beneficial to Iran and the international community, while being helpful for further strengthening the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Under the nuclear deal, Iran undertook to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Several reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency have confirmed Iran’s full compliance with the agreement. However, US President Donald Trump delivered an anti-Iran speech on Oct. 13, in which he said he would not certify Iran’s compliance with the terms of the deal and warned that he might ultimately terminate the agreement.