The Iranian Government in a state broadcast on Sunday 5th January 2020, said it will no longer abide by any limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, Evening standard reports.
This latest development comes another Iranian official said it would consider taking even harsher steps over the US killing of General Qassem Soleimani on Friday.
The Iran Nuclear Deal was a long-term agreement between world powers including the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany.
It was developed in response to years of tension over Iran’s alleged efforts to develop a nuclear weapon
The nuclear deal meant Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities and allow international inspectors to return and return economic sanctions would be lifted.
The US withdrew from the deal in 2018 fulfilling one of his election promises, leaving Iran and the European Union to maintain the agreement.
The conflict is rooted in President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the accord and impose sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy.
Soleimani’s death escalated the crisis between Tehran and Washington after months of trading attacks and threats that have put the wider Middle East on edge.
Iran’s state TV cited a statement by President Hassan Rouhani’s administration saying the country will not observe limitations on its enrichment, the amount of stockpiled enriched uranium as well as research and development in its nuclear activities
The International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations watchdog observing Iran’s programme, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran said its co-operation with the IAEA “will continue as before”.
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted in response to the news, writing: “As 5th and final remedial step under paragraph 36 of JCPOA, there will no longer be any restrictions on a number of centrifuges.
Iran’s announcement follows its lawmakers chanting ‘death to America’ inside the country’s parliament as tensions soar over the killing of general Qasem Soleimani.
Iranian officials planned to meet on Sunday night to discuss taking a fifth step away from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, one that could be even greater than planned, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told journalists prior to the announcement.
“In the world of politics, all developments are interconnected,” Mr Mousavi said.
Iran previously has broken limits of its enrichment, its stockpiles and its centrifuges, as well as restarted enrichment at an underground facility.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s Parliament voted in favour of a resolution calling for an end of the foreign military presence in their nation, an effort aimed at expelling the 5,000 US troops stationed there over the war against the so-called Islamic State.
Footage of almost all the 290 members chanting the threat emerged after an emergency session was held on Sunday.
Iran, along with Iraq, are observing a three-day period of international mourning and tens of thousands of people flooded the streets as the commander’s flag-draped coffin was carried through southwestern Ahvaz.