Iran is guardedly optimistic about the path forward on the nuclear deal as world powers have reiterated their backing for it in defiance of US pressures, President Hassan Rouhani said.
He said it is possible that the upcoming congressional midterm elections in the United States may change the political landscape for the better.
"I do not want to say that all issues have been resolved. But the majority of countries are saying that Iran is right and the United States is wrong. This is a major achievement," he told scholars and clerics in Tehran late on Saturday, his official website reported.
Rouhani was referring to the fact that the five countries (France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia) remain united behind the 2015 nuclear accord and have been trying to find a way to ensure Iran gets the economic benefits to persuade it to stay in the agreement after Donald Trump pulled the US out earlier this month.
The US has announced that it will reimpose sanctions against Iran and threatened to penalize European companies that do business with the country.
*** Pick and Choose
"The Americans are exerting pressure on the Europeans telling them to 'choose between us and Iran'. But the Europeans are saying that 'we choose the JCPOA'," he said, using the abbreviation for the deal's official name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Iran signed with the six world powers.
Rouhani cited the comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on May 24 as an example of international support for the international agreement.
Talking to reporters in St. Petersburg, the two leaders questioned Trump's departure from the multinational deal and reiterated their backing for the agreement, the Telegraph reported.
Rouhani said Iran will continue to uphold its side of the deal as long as its national interests are served, adding that the developments over the past few weeks have made it "hopeful" about its survival.
*** Political Landscape
He also drew attention to the upcoming elections in the United States, saying that their results may change the status quo.
"It should be noted that the present situation in the US is not permanent, and it is not clear what will happen in [November's] midterm congressional elections and other elections," the president was quoted as saying.
Reports say Republicans strive to stave off Democratic efforts to flip both chambers of Congress this November. Democrats have been in favor of the nuclear deal and may put Trump under pressure to revise his decision about dumping the historic agreement.
*** Main Priorities
Rouhani noted that one of the main priorities of his administration has been "constructive interaction" with the world so that the nation's rights and achievements could be safeguarded.
Bringing calm to the domestic market, helping those in need and promoting social justice have also been high on the agenda, he told the participants.
The president acknowledged that people's livelihood should change and improve. "The ideal situation has not yet been created. But by looking at a number of indices we can see that positive changes have been made.”
Rouhani pledged that his government will accelerate its efforts to help build a better future for the masses, particularly the youth.
