Rouhani says US has failed to undermine nuclear deal

It comes after president Donald Trump on Friday delivered an ultimatum to European signatories of the deal: fix its “terrible flaws” or else America would pull out

FILE - In this Dec. 31, 2017 file photo, released by official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani speaks in a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Iran. New unrest in Iran over the past 10 days appears to be waning, but anger over the economy persists. The protests in dozens of towns and cities also showed that a sector of the public was willing to openly call for the removal of Iran’s system of rule by clerics -- frustrated not just by the economy but also by concern over Iran’s foreign wars and general direction. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP, File)
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Iran's president said on Sunday that the United States had failed to undermine a nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers, hailing the accord as a "long-lasting victory" for Iran.

US president Donald Trump on Friday delivered an ultimatum to European signatories of the deal: fix its “terrible flaws” or else America would pull out.

"The American administration has failed to undermine the nuclear deal … Trump, despite his repeated efforts, has failed to undermine the accord … The deal is a long-lasting victory for Iran," president Hassan Rouhani said in a speech, broadcast live on state television.

On Friday, Mr Trump agreed to waive sanctions against Iran for the last time to give the US and European allies a final chance to amend the pact.

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Iran says the nuclear deal is not renegotiable and that it will stick to the accord as long as the other signatories respect it.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting of most sanctions.

Mr Rouhani's comments came a day after the French president, Emmanuel Macron, called for the "necessary respect" of the nuclear deal as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged him to change it.

Mr Macron and Mr Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday after Mr Trump demanded that European partners work with Washington to amend the pact.

"Trump's remarks should be taken seriously, and whoever wants to keep the nuclear deal would be wise to fix it", Mr Netanyahu said, according to his office.

Following the call, the Elysee released a statement saying that Mr Macron "remembers the importance of preserving the Iran nuclear deal and the necessary respect by all parties of their engagements regarding the accord".