Iran’s fourth step in scaling down compliance with the nuclear deal was met with concerned responses from France and Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, expressed concern about Iran’s decision and announced that Moscow supports the preservation of Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Adding: “We are monitoring the development of the situation with concern.”

The foreign ministry of France also criticized Iran’s decision to scale down compliance with JCPOA and asked Tehran to reconsider its decision.

The spokesperson for the foreign ministry of Frances said: "The announcements by Iran... go against the Vienna agreement. We urge Iran to go back on its decisions which contradict the accord.”

On Tuesday, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, announced that the fourth step in scaling down compliance with the nuclear deal (JCPOA) will begin tomorrow, saying: “We will inject gas in centrifuges installed in Fordo nuclear facility.”

“We inform the 4+1 and friendly countries that the fourth step will be under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and just like the third step, it is reversible. If all the sanctions are lifted and we can sell our oil and use our banking revenue, we will return to the initial conditions,” Rouhani declared.

EU spokesperson Maja Kocijancic responded to Rouhani’s announcement: “We are concerned by President Rouhani’s announcement today to further reduce Iran’s commitments under the JCPOA.

“We urge Iran to reverse all activities that are inconsistent with its commitments under the JCPOA ... it is increasingly difficult to preserve the JCPOA,” she added.