Egypt's FM Sameh Shoukry Reuters
Egypt is following with great concern the developments of the US decision on Tuesday to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCOPA) agreement between the P5+1 countries and Iran, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry stated although Egypt appreciates the US and international assurance to address concerns about regional interference by Iran, it also asserted the necessity of Iran's adherence to international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The statement said that in accordance with the goal of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, Iran should obtain nuclear weapons.
The ministry also asserted the necessity of safeguarding the security and stability of the Middle East and its people, and expressed its extreme concern about policies that aim to extend foreign influence into the Arab region.
The statement emphasized the importance of engaging in regional dialogue in regards to possibility of amending the JCOPA, and also called on all regional powers, including Iran, to stop adopting policies that interfere in the security of the Arab region.
On Tuesday, US president Donald Trump said the United States would pull out of the JCOPA, saying that one-sided deal that should have never been made and that it has not, and will never, bring peace.
The JCOPA agreement was reached in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1, or five permanent members of the United Nation's Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus Germany.
The agreement arranged for the easing of international economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for sharp reductions in its nuclear enrichment capabilities and allowing regular International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to all facilities.
The pact is seen widely seen by western experts and leaders as the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capabilities.
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