Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Friday said that the US sanctions imposed on Iran benefit neither side and is tantamount to lose-lose game.
The President made the remarks in Tokyo while on an official visit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"The US' unlawful exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action indicated that the move has negative impact on an international agreement, peace as well as security," Rouhani added.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always contributed to regional peace and security, President Rouhani said, adding that the country has sent letters to regional states proposing a regional peace initiative called Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE).
He thanked Japan for supporting HOPE initiative, noting that Iran has always felts responsibility of maintaining regional security.
The security status in the Persian Gulf region has been undermined by some foreign states, the Iranian president added.
He called for rooting out unilateralism to preserve security in the region, noting that the states that do not pursue the international law should be awakened.
Referring to the 90-year-old relation of Iran-Japan, Rouhani underlined that contacts between the two sided over the past six years are indicative of mutual constructive ties
He further called for expansion of cooperation in energy, science, medicine, tourism, sport, trade and industrial sectors.
Pointing to the harsh and unlawful sanctions imposed on Iran in the wake of the US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal, Rouhani said Washington's pulling out of international agreements, including the JCPOA has endangered global peace and security.
President Rouhani called on all states to honor the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, adding that the US sanctions could be regarded as economic terrorism.
The states that combat terrorism should stand up to the US moves, he reiterated.
The Iranian president underscored Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA as part of its national interests, calling on the other sides to the agreement to fulfill their commitments.
The Islamic Republic has begun scaling back its commitments under the nuclear deal in retaliation for the US withdrawal and sanctions and the failure of the other signatories of the accord to sufficiently support Tehran.
Rouhani further noted that the JCPOA could be regarded as an effective model for achieving peace among states.
The Iranian president said that Iran warmly welcomes any contributions from all states, including Japan, for maintaining security, peace, and stability in the Persian Gulf along with the Strait of Hormuz.
President Rouhani voiced hope that all states contribute to preserve the JCPOA.