WASHINGTON, 9 June, 2021 (TON): Hundreds of sanctions will remain in place even if both countries; U.S. and Iran return to compliance with the nuclear deal, said U.S. Sec. of State Antony Blinken.

In a hearing, the official told the Senate Appropriations Committee, "I would anticipate that even in the events of a return to compliance with the JCPOA, hundreds of sanctions will remain in place, including sanctions imposed by the Trump administration."

"If they are not inconsistent with the JCPOA, they will remain, unless and until Iran's behavior changes," he added.

Blinken again raised doubt about whether Tehran is willing to take steps to come back into compliance.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in response to Blinken’s Monday’s comments, saying, "It remains unclear whether @POTUS (President Joe Biden) and @SecBlinken are ready to bury the failed 'maximum pressure' policy of Trump and cease using #EconomicTerrorism as bargaining 'leverage.'"

However, since April this year, the United States and Iran have held five rounds of indirect negotiations in Austria's capital Vienna that aimed at reviving the nuclear deal.

Moreover, Abbas Araqchi, the head of Iran's negotiating team, said last week that the next round of talks in Vienna could be conclusive and lead to an agreement.