Iran pulling out of nuclear deal following U.S. strike that killed Soleimani

Image: Protesters demonstrate the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani
Protesters demonstrate the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 4, 2020. Copyright Ebrahim Noroozi
Copyright Ebrahim Noroozi
By Max Burman and The Associated Press with NBC News World News
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

State television reported Iran will no longer abide by the limits of the deal, which restricted nuclear development in exchange for easing economic sanctions

ADVERTISEMENT

Iran said Sunday that it was ending its commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers in the wake of the U.S. strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal last May, renewing tensions between the two countries that reached new heights after Friday's air strike.

Iran's state television reported Sunday that it will no longer abide by the limits of the deal, which restricted nuclear development in exchange for the easing of crippling economic sanctions.

The agreement placed limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment, the amount of stockpiled enriched uranium as well as research and development in its nuclear activities.

America's European allies have attempted to salvage the deal despite Trump's decision to withdraw and reimpose sanctions, but Iran has gradually reduced its commitments and now leaves the deal in tatters.

The country's foreign ministry said earlier Sunday that recent events meant it would take an even bigger step away from the deal than initially planned.

The news came as fallout from the killing of Soleimani, one of Iran's most powerful military and political figures, stoked growing tensions in the Middle East.

Huge crowds flooded streets in Iran and Iraq this weekend to pay their respects to Soleimani.

As the Islamic Republic welcomed Soleimani's body home for a grand funeral, its leaders continued to vow revenge for his death.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

Share this articleComments

You might also like

Biden inks €89 billion war aid package to support Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

Haley pulls out of presidential race, leaving Trump only major Republican candidate

UN approves Gaza aid resolution without an appeal for ceasefire