Saeed Khatibzadeh, in response to a reporter's question on Friday night regarding the statement of the US and French foreign ministers that they are waiting for Iran's decision to return to JCPOA, said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has never left the JCPOA, but it is the United States that must make its decision and return to JCPOA by lifting illegal sanctions and effectively implementing its commitments."
"The United States and the Europeans know better than anyone that Iran made its decision when, despite the unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the reimposed illegal and oppressive sanctions on the Iranian nation, and despite Europe's inaction, Tehran remained in the JCPOA and kept it alive," Khatibzadeh added,
He stressed, "During the Vienna talks, we have repeatedly stated that it was the United States that violated the nuclear deal and, in a complete non-compliance, and effectively prevented its implementation. It was also repeatedly emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran was fully prepared to suspend it's retaliatory measures and to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, provided that the United States fully implements it, and the other parties are well aware of Iran's position."
The spokesman reierated, "It is obvious that an agreement will be possible if the United States makes a decision to fully implement its commitments, and renounces the use of sanctions as a bargaining leverage."
He concluded: "Our position has not changed since the beginning of the negotiations in Vienna. We demand the lifting of US sanctions, their verification and then suspension of Iran's retaliatory measures and the resumption of implementation of it's obligations. It is the opposing parties who have to make their decision."
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