11 May 2018 | 03:13 PM UTC
Iran: Thousands protest on May 11 over US nuclear deal decision
Thousands protest in Tehran and other Iranian cities on May 11 over US decision to leave nuclear deal; additional related protests expected in the coming days
Event
Thousands of people reportedly protested in Tehran and other Iranian cities on the afternoon of Friday, May 11 (local time), over US President Donald Trump's announcement that the US will withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. Notably, a group of protesters reportedly assembled in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran and burned American flags, among other demonstrations. Additional protests are expected in the coming days, including on Saturday, May 12, which is the formal deadline for the recertification of the JCPOA.
Context
Trump announced the US withdrawal from the JCPOA on May 8 and a plan to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran, following efforts from European leaders to convince Trump to abide by the 2015 agreement.
The fate of the deal vis-à-vis the remaining signatories, including France, the UK, Germany, Russia, China, and Iran, is uncertain. The JCPOA was originally certified in July 2015, and is aimed at preventing Iran from building a nuclear bomb in exchange for sanctions relief.
Advice
Individuals in Iran, particularly in Tehran, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
