Iran regime leaders turn on each other

Iran regime leaders turn on each other

DUBAI: Iran's pragmatist president accused hardline opponents on Wednesday of obstructing efforts to lift U. S. sanctions, in remarks that demonstrate how an upcoming election in Iran is now looming over the new US administration's plan for a thaw. "It is a great betrayal of the Iranian nation if any faction or person delays the end of the sanctions even for one hour," Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. "The small minority that is obstructing this path needs to stop its destructive act. If it stops “¦ the government can break the sanctions," Rouhani added without elaborating. The new US administration of President Joe Biden aims to revive an agreement abandoned by his predecessor Donald Trump, under which Iran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions. After Trump quit the pact and reimposed sanctions, Iran took steps that violate the deal's nuclear limits. So far, Iran and the Biden administration are at loggerheads over which side should move first to revive the agreement, with Tehran demanding Washington first lift sanctions and Washington calling on Tehran first to resume compliance with the deal. "Today, conditions are better than ever for the lifting of the