TEHRAN, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday that the Islamic republic is prepared to counter any U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal.
"What measures the Islamic republic would adopt have been predicted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in case it cannot enjoy the economic benefits" from the nuclear deal, Zarif said.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, the JCPOA has safeguarded Iran's right to research and development in peaceful nuclear program.
"If the United States makes the mistake to pull out of the JCPOA, it will be definitely a painful mistake for the Americans," Zarif said.
"The Islamic republic is prepared for various scenarios in this regard," he added.
On Jan. 12, U.S. President Donald Trump waived nuclear sanctions against Iran, but warned that he would not do it again unless the deal is fixed.
Tehran, however, has repeatedly said it will not renegotiate the nuclear deal.
Under the JCPOA, Iran must limit its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.
