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Mohammed Javad Zarif told Germany's Der Spiegel news magazine
that Iran could "reduce its implementation" of the agreement and
possibly increase uranium enrichment activities if the nuclear
agreement was jeopardized by "the actions of the Americans and
the passivity of the Europeans."
"The Europeans and other signatories must act to offset the
consequences of the U.S. sanctions," Zarif told the magazine,
calling a package of measures drafted by Europe an important
step that should now be implemented.
"What is paramount: Europe should do so not for Iran, but for
its own sovereign and long-term economic interests."
European Union officials strongly oppose the May decision by the
United States to withdraw from the nuclear agreement, and have
sought to salvage the deal in some form.
Germany on Friday said it was considering setting up a payment
system with its European partners that would allow continued
business transactions with Iran once U.S. sanctions kick in.
However, German officials concede privately that such a system
would not prevent big companies that rely on U.S. exports to
escape U.S. sanctions if they continue to sell to Iran.
Zarif said Tehran's biggest priority was to continue to sell a
reasonable amount oil worldwide and return the proceeds to Iran,
as well encouraging investment and cooperation in areas such as
technology and research.
"Europe said the nuclear agreement was in its security interest.
Then Europe must be ready to pay for its security," Zarif said.
"Nothing is for free."
He said Europe should be "ready to pay for its security" by
implementing a European Union "blocking agreement" under which
it can punish European firms for withdrawing from Iranian
business deals to avoid U.S. sanctions.
"The question is whether European wants its companies to follow
European laws or American ones, or whether it will submit to the
American dictates," Zarif said.
He said Iran had options to act if Europe failed to act to
compensate Iran for the U.S. sanctions.
"We do not necessarily have to cancel (the agreement). Article
36 of the agreement and Security Resolution 2231 make it
possible to reduce implementation, without cancelling it," he
said.
Asked if Iran could resume increased enrichment of uranium, he
said, "That would be one of the possibilities."
Zarif said Tehran would not "waste its time" on additional
negotiations with the United States about Iran's behavior in the
region unless Washington rescinded its decision to withdraw from
the nuclear agreement.
"Only when Europe ensures that (the agreement) is implemented
can Iran see if the attempt should be made to talk about other
issues," he said.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, Editing by William Maclean)
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