Iran says Trump’s climate pact withdrawal will isolate US

TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday joined the international chorus of criticism against US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying it would further isolate the United States.

“The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris accord indicates the government’s lack of responsibility regarding the global community and it will increasingly isolate them,” foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, according to the IRNA news agency.

Trump announced on Thursday that the United States would withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, joining Syria and Nicaragua as the only non-signatories to the agreement.

“Non-compliance with commitments in the Paris accord by a government which is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gases and is one of the most polluting countries, is unacceptable,” said Ghasemi.

Iran faces particular challenges from climate change, having suffered years of worsening drought and dust storms, compounded by poor water resource management.

“The global community must compel the new US administration to implement its international commitments precisely and completely,” Ghasemi said.

“It is imperative to avoid undermining global agreements such as the Paris agreement, which is a global symbol of joint cooperation and has strengthened multilateralism.”

Iran is concerned that Trump may also make good on his threat to pull out of the nuclear deal signed with the United States and five other world powers in 2015 that lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs to Tehran’s atomic program.

During a visit last month to Saudia Arabia and Israel, Trump urged moderate Arab states and Israel to unite against the common foe of Iran.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.