Iran to cut more nuke commitments if necessary: president

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran will take further steps towards suspending its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal if it deems necessary, Press TV reported.

A handout picture provided by the Iranian presidency on September 11, 2019 shows President Hassan Rouhani chairing a cabinet meeting in the capital Tehran. [Photo: AFP]

"If necessary, we will take further steps in the future," Rouhani made the remarks during a cabinet meeting in Tehran, describing Iran's latest move to drop nuclear commitments as "important."

As a reaction to the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its subsequent sanctions on Tehran and in a response to Europe's sluggishness to save Iran's interests under the deal, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) started up advanced centrifuges on Sunday to boost the country's stockpile of enriched uranium, which had been restricted by the JCPOA.

"While the enemy is exerting maximum pressure (on Iran), our path is withstanding and resistance," said Rouhani, adding that the United States would better stop "the belligerent pressure campaign."

"The Americans must understand that they will not benefit from bellicosity and warmongering," he said.

Besides, Rouhani stressed Iran's right to utilize peaceful nuclear technology.