EU snubs Trump: Member states join forces to urge President to uphold Iran nuclear deal

The pact saw economic sanctions lifted in return for Iran reigning in its ambitions and supporters believe it stopped Tehran from building a nuclear bomb.

But Mr Trump is expected to reintroduce the measures tomorrow in a move which many fear will torpedo the 2015 international accord which was also signed by China, Russia and the European Union.

US Congress requires the president to periodically certify Iran’s compliance and issue a waiver to allow US sanctions to remain suspended and the next deadline tomorrow.

Mr Trump has previously described the pact “the worst deal ever negotiated” but the British, French and German foreign ministers and the EU’s top diplomat said there was no alternative and the sanctions should remain lifted.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said no one had put forward a better alternative to the nuclear accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and it was “incumbent on critics to offer one”.

Mr Johnson said the pact was also a way for Iran to show it was “a good neighbour” in the region by complying.

Germany’s Sigmar Gabriel said: “We agree on this approach, we want to protect the deal against every possible decision that might undermine it.

“It is absolutely necessary to have this to prevent the development of nuclear weapons at a time when other parts of the world are discussing how to get them.”

Mr Trump’s decision comes at a tricky time for Iran which faced protests over economic hardships and corruption that are linked to frustration among younger Iranians who hoped to see more benefits from the lifting of sanctions.

The Brussels talks were aimed at sending a message to Washington before the sanctions decision is made.

Iran said it would no longer be bound by the pact if sanctions are reintroduced and could return to producing enriched uranium.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the meeting had shown a “strong consensus” that Iran was complying with the pact and had the right to enjoy its economic benefits.

He said: “Any move that undermines the deal is unacceptable”.

“Germany, France, Britain and EU fully aware that Iran’s continued compliance is conditioned on full compliance by the US.”

European countries have benefited from renewed trade with Iran since the sanctions were lifted while US companies are still largely barred from doing business with the Islamic Republic due to other sanctions unrelated to the nuclear issue.

Mr Trump formally rejected the deal in October although he stopped short of pulling out entirely.

And in a pointed message to the President the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, said she expected all parties to uphold the 2015 nuclear accord.

She said: “The deal is working, keeping Iran’s nuclear programme in check.”