A+ A-

Merkel defends Iran's nuclear deal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the Munich Security Conference
German Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the Munich Security Conference
BERLIN, Feb 16 (KUNA) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel Saturday defended Iran's nuclear deal, saying Europeans and Americans are agreed on putting pressure on Iran, but there are divergent views on relevant mechanisms.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Merkel backed European powers' decision to stand by the Iran nuclear deal, describing it as an "anchor" allowing the West to exert pressure.
She added that the split over Iran "depresses me very much," but downplayed the substance of the differences.
Merkel's remarks came just a couple of days after US Vice President Mike Pence accused Germany, France and Britain of trying to break American sanctions on Iran and called on them to follow Washington in pulling out of the nuclear deal.
The three European powers, along with Russia, China and the U.S., signed the 2015 agreement meant to curb Iran's path toward nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.
The Munich Security Conference is an annual gathering of top global defense and foreign policy officials. (end) anj.mt