Relations had already deteriorated following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from an international pact under which Iran agreed curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. On Monday Iran warned it would soon breach limits on how much enriched uranium it can stockpile under a 2015 nuclear deal, which had sought to limit its nuclear capabilities. Russia told the United States to cease actions that looked like a conscious attempt to provoke war with Iran, and urged restraint on all sides. “Iran will not wage war against any nation,” Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. China, a close energy partner of Iran, was “very concerned” about the situation in the Gulf and with Iran, and urged all sides to ease tension.

Source: Standard Digital June 18, 2019 11:37 UTC