Trump's Iran Decision Won't Influence Transatlantic Cooperation - Merkel

The US President had previously announced the withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), adding that the sanctions against Tehran would be re-imposed. However, Germany confirmed its commitment to the Iranian deal, siding with the EU, France, China, Russia, France and the UK on the issue.

President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal is no reason to call into question relationships between Europe and the US, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated on Friday. Merkel also said that options to save the deal without the United States needed to be discussed with Tehran.

READ MORE: EU Should Resist US Pressure Over Iran Nuclear Deal — Analysts

She also noted that the decision of the US President hurts international relations.

"Nevertheless, I think it is not right to unilaterally cancel a deal that was agreed, that was unilaterally approved in the U.N. Security Council. That diminishes confidence in the international order," Merkel said.

On Thursday, however, Merkel stated, that Europe could no longer rely on the US and "must take its destiny in its own hands," protecting itself.

The JCPOA was signed with Iran on July 14, 2015, by the European Union and the P5+1 group of countries — China, Germany, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The accord stipulated a gradual lifting of anti-Iranian sanctions in exchange for Tehran allowing inspections to ensure that the nature of its nuclear program is peaceful.