Iran will develop nuclear-powered boats: Rouhani

TEHRAN, Iran (Kurdistan24) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday said his country would begin the development of nuclear-powered boats in retaliation to the US’ “violation” of the nuclear deal.

Last month, the US Congress decided to extend legislation for Washington to reimpose sanctions on Iran.

Rouhani’s remarks were the first occasion Tehran had responded to Washington’s decision.

The Iranian President explained the new technology was a “nuclear propeller to be used in marine transportation.”

Previously, in 2012, Iran announced it was working on a nuclear-powered submarine, but Rouhani did not specify if the recent plans were related.

President-elect Donald Trump promised to scrap the nuclear pact negotiated with Barack Obama’s administration and Iran several months ago.

“The United States has not fully delivered its commitments in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [the nuclear deal],” Rouhani wrote in a letter published by state news agency IRNA.

“With regards to recent [US Congress] legislation to extend the Iran Sanctions Act, I order the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran to…plan the design and construction of a nuclear propeller to be used in marine transportation,” he added.

Iran maintains its promise the nuclear program in Tehran is for “peaceful” purposes.

Members of the US Congress reiterated that the extension of the agreement did not violate the current nuclear deal.

Moreover, officials in Congress explained the act only “gave Washington the power to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it violated the pact.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei argued the extension of sanctions was a “definite breach,” and Iran would “definitely react to it.”

Editing by Ava Homa