Trump criticizes Iran for violating spirit of 2015 nuclear deal

CGTN photo

US President Donald Trump criticized Iran on Thursday for allegedly not fulfilling its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal reached with world powers, including the US and China, branding it again as a "horrible agreement".

"I don’t think they’re living up to the spirit of the agreement,” Trump told reporters at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where he is currently spending his first extended vacation.

"They are not in compliance with the agreement and they certainly are not in the spirit of the agreement in compliance, and I think you’ll see some very strong things taking place if they don’t get themselves in compliance,” he added.

The accord reached under former president Barack Obama gave Iran relief from massive international sanctions in exchange for curbing its ability to make materials for nuclear weapons.

On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly criticized the deal, promising to renegotiate its terms.

After coming into office, Trump accused Tehran of supporting extremist groups in the Middle East and imposed new sanctions on the country, the latest of which were passed last month.

Washington said the punitive measures target Tehran's missile program and human rights violations, which were not included in the nuclear deal. Iran, however, rejected the sanctions, noting that they are in violation of the accord.

Despite Trump's objection to the deal and his accusations to Tehran for allegedly failing to act in accordance with the agreement, the US Department of State has confirmed twice since Trump came to office that Iran was in fact complying with the terms of the 2015 deal.