Iranian negotiator doesn’t rule out exiting nuclear treaty if sanctions are reimposed

By Farnoush Amiri

A top Iranian official warned Wednesday that European threats to reimpose sanctions could lead Iran to withdraw from an international pact that limits the spread of nuclear weapons, one of the last remaining safeguards against the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi discussed with reporters his country’s recourse against further financial punishment ahead of a critical meeting Friday with Britain, France and Germany.

The talks between Iran and some of the remaining members of the 2015 nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from in President Donald Trump’s first term, are expected to take place in Istanbul.

The three European countries have suggested triggering a so-called snapback provision in that accord that would reimpose sanctions on Iran if there is no progress on a deal to limit its nuclear program by August. The 2015 deal had eased economic penalties on Iran in exchange for restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear program, which