A senior diplomat said the possible unraveling of the 2015 nuclear deal would has grave consequences for global non-proliferation regimes aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
"JCPOA has become a key pillar of the non-proliferation architecture and its importance is not just related to nuclear issues," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, referring to the deal by its formal name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The deal faces strong opposition from US President Donald Trump who has hardened the US line against Iran.
Tensions around the accord have escalated in recent weeks, after Trump decertified Iran's compliance with the deal last month.
Although Trump stopped short of scrapping the accord altogether, he said he might withdraw Washington from the accord if the US Congress could not come up with a solution to fix what he claimed are JCPOA's "many serious flaws".
Congress is now working on bills that could satisfy Trump's demands but may violate the pact, which will compel Iran to walk out of the agreement.
Addressing a conference in Tehran on West Asian security, Araqchi said the collapse of the deal would be tantamount to the collapse of global non-proliferation regimes and that is why the international community is intent on saving the two-year pact.
"At stake are non-proliferation regimes. [The deal has proved] that through negotiations and trust-building [process], agreements could be made under which countries [provide assurances that they would not] work toward acquiring banned weapons in return for the recognition of their rights," said Araqchi, who was a top member of Iran's negotiating team from 2013 to 2015.
The nuclear pact was signed between Iran and six world powers to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting international sanctions.
The deal stipulated that after Iran fulfills its obligations, it will be able to develop its nuclear program within a peaceful framework.
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