Signs of increasing frustration with the European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) appeared in yet another speech by Hassan Rouhani, who has been capitalizing on the accord as the milestone achievement of his two successive terms in office.

"As of July 7," Rouhani warned Europeans, "Iran's enrichment will no longer stand at the 3.67% level and the commitment will be put aside." Addressing a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, the Iranian president did not specify the precise rate but said it could be "any" depending on Iran's needs. As required by the 2015 landmark pact, Iran has abandoned the pre-deal 20% enrichment level, capping it at 3.67%.

The date Rouhani referred to is when Iran's deadline to the remaining European sides of the JCPOA will expire. The Islamic Republic has demanded that Germany, France and the United Kingdom honor their commitments by providing Iran with the economic benefits promised in the agreement or see how it scales back obligations in a phased process.

Rouhani also declared that the contentious Arak nuclear facility will be restored to the pre-deal status, "which they claimed to be dangerous. … [It is where] Iran could produce plutonium unless they comply with all their obligations." Those measures, the Iranian president asserted, were all meant to salvage rather than kill the deal.