The United States' unilateral withdrawal from an international agreement over Iran's nuclear program was a "violation of morals" but Tehran will continue to honor the deal only if its interests can be protected by the other parties, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has remained committed to every agreement it has signed. But we saw that the United States walked away from the JCPOA, which means trampling on moral, political, diplomatic and international laws and principles," Rouhani said during a press conference with the visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Tehran, ISNA reported.
The pact is formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
If the remaining five countries continue to abide by the agreement and guarantee Tehran's interests, the deal will survive, he added, noting that the country's foreign policy is based on respect for international obligations.
US President Donald Trump last week announced his decision to pull the United States out of the landmark agreement and reimpose sanctions on Tehran, upsetting European allies and casting uncertainty over global oil supplies.
Iran has said it will remain in the deal, to which Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia are also signatories, if powers still backing the agreement ensure it is protected from sanctions against key sectors of its economy.
Vast Potential
Rouhani said Tehran and Colombo should channel their efforts into utilizing the vast potential for cooperation in a variety of areas, including oil, petrochemicals and construction materials plus technological and engineering services.
"Iran has experience in building dams and power plants and providing electricity to Sri Lanka and is ready to continue and complete these projects," he added, noting that the two sides have agreed to collaborate in other sectors, including science, medicine, pharmaceuticals, railroads, oil refinery and tourism.
Rouhani also said the country is willing to share its experience in fighting terrorism.
"Fortunately, both countries have common views on international and regional issues, and we hope that the interaction between our two nations will continue in international and Asian organizations."
Oil Exports
The Sri Lankan leader said the two sides should step up their efforts to enhance the level of bilateral economic and trade ties.
"Iran is one of the main buyers of Sri Lankan tea, and Sri Lanka imports oil from Iran. The Iranian government opened an oil refinery in Sri Lanka 50 years ago, and we want an increase in Iran's crude exports to Sri Lanka," Sirisena told the press briefing.
Tehran and Colombo have agreed to further strengthen ties in the field of producing medical equipment, culture, science, technology and the campaign against illicit drugs.
Sri Lanka has called on Tehran to pave the way for direct flights between the two countries to help boost bilateral tourism, he added, noting that 7,000 Iranians visited the island nation last year.
