Iran Lays Out Nuclear Deal Red Lines

Following Washington's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the Islamic republic's supreme leader has laid out his country's conditions for upholding its side of the landmark accord with world powers.

The following excerpts from an address by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Iranian officials, published on Thursday, outline Iran's demands of Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany if the deal is to survive:

- 'Protest U.S. action' -

"The U.S. withdrawal is a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (establishing the nuclear deal). The Europeans need to table a resolution against the U.S. to protest this action."

- 'No objections to missiles' -

"The heads of the three European nations must promise not to raise any objections to Iranian missiles or Iran's presence in the region. Everyone should know that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never give up elements of its power, especially concerning questions of defense."

The U.S. has levied sanctions against Tehran for its ballistic missile program and labels Iranian regional proxy groups such as Hizbullah as "terrorist" entities.

- 'Safeguard oil sales' -

"If the U.S. succeeds in disturbing Iranian oil sales, the Europeans must promise to buy whatever quantity we wish to sell." 

U.S. President Donald Trump triggered fears for Iran's economy earlier this month when he pulled his country from the 2015 deal.

World powers and signatories have since rallied around the accord, which imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of punishing economic sanctions. 

The prospect of new American sanctions on Tehran has already caused some European firms to indicate they will pull out of business ventures in Iran. 

- 'Concrete guarantees' -

Khamenei has said Iran could resume its uranium enrichment up to 20 percent should the deal collapse. The accord limits Tehran to enriching uranium to 3.67 percent, well short of weapons-grade strength.  

"Iran is not seeking discord with the Europeans but given their past behavior we cannot trust them," Khamenei said. "For this reason the guarantees must be concrete."