US intent on inflaming confrontation with Iran

After the United States announced its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal on May 8, 2018, the remaining signatory parties to the agreement, including Iran, vowed to remain committed to the deal.

But ever since it backtracked on the pact, the US has increased the economic and strategic pressure on Iran, reviving its sanctions against the Islamic republic and demanding other countries sever their economic ties with Iran. Most recently, by refusing to reissue the sanctions waivers allowing major importers to continue buying Iran's oil.

In response, Iran announced on Wednesday that it would stop respecting the restrictions on its nuclear activities if the remaining signatories to the accord - China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the European Union - fail to deliver on their commitments to help Iran benefit from the deal despite the US sanctions.