Kerry: France put ‘on notice’ about violating Iran sanctions

Washington (CNN) – The nuclear deal struck in November between the world powers, collectively known as the P5+1, and Iran calls for Tehran to limit its nuclear activities in return for a relaxation of sanctions that have crippled the Iranian economy.

But Iranian officials say the deal is not that big a deal, that they could undo what they have agreed to do within one day.

President Hassan Rouhani told the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that Iran is open for business. Indeed, France and Turkey have sent trade missions looking to do more business in the country.

But Kerry insists the U.S. has not been played, “not even by a close margin.”

“Iran is not open for business. And Iran knows it’s not open for business,” said Kerry in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.

“So while the French may send some businesspeople over there, they’re not able to contravene the sanctions. They will be sanctioned if they do and they know it. And we’ve put them on notice,” said Kerry.

“Nobody should doubt for an instant that the United States is prepared to enforce the sanctions that exist. And all of our allies are in agreement that those sanctions are staying in place until or unless there is a deal,” said the Secretary.