Iran is irresponsible, says Iran

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran rejects France's "irresponsible" remarks that it was seriously considering activating a mechanism within the nuclear deal that could lead to UN sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday.

"Iran's reduction of its nuclear obligations came in fulfillment of its legal rights to respond to America's illegal withdrawal from the agreement and the failure of the European parties to fulfill their obligations," Mousavi was quoted as saying by state television.

"Under these circumstances, the agreement does not allow the mechanism to be activated by the European parties to the agreement," he said. "Such statements by a French official are irresponsible and unconstructive."

This comes a day after statements made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, raising the possibility of activating this mechanism.

Conflict resolution
Under the dispute resolution mechanism, in case of disagreement, any party would refer the matter to a joint committee comprising Iran, Russia, China, the three European powers and the European Union.

If the Security Council does not vote within 30 days on further easing of sanctions, sanctions that were in place under previous UN resolutions will be reimposed.

Ludarian said on Wednesday that his country was seriously considering activating the dispute resolution mechanism stipulated in the nuclear deal with Iran, given Tehran's repeated violation of parts of the 2015 agreement with world powers.

Under the nuclear deal, Tehran agreed to cut sensitive nuclear activities in return for lifting international sanctions. US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran has gradually reduced its obligations under the agreement.

Tehran says it will further reduce its nuclear obligations if Britain, France and Germany fail to protect Iran's economy from US sanctions.