During a trip to Japan, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke to journalists regarding the latest status of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the increasing tension with the United States.

Zarif said that any military action by the group he dubbed the B-team (national security adviser John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed) would be “political suicide.”

Zarif accused the group of seeking a military conflict in the region and said that he explained to his Japanese counterpart “ways to reduce tension in the region and stop America’s warmongering actions.” Zarif added, “Iran has always defended its interests with power and will continue to do so now.”

Regarding the US decision to exit the JCPOA and reimpose sanctions amid Iran’s continued compliance with the nuclear deal, Zarif asked, “Does the civilized world accept American bullying against those who have followed the law and have implemented Security Council resolutions?” The United States has threatened any country continuing to do business with Iran with sanctions and has called on countries who purchase Iranian oil to drop their imports to zero. While the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran has fully complied with the JCPOA since its signing, Tehran recently announced it will make some modifications if European countries are unable to provide avenues to conduct trade.