Update: Iran says possible scrap of nuclear deal "historical regret" for U.S.

TEHRAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- If the United States pulls out of the nuclear deal, it will be a "historical regret" for them, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said here on Sunday.

Rouhani dismissed Washington's threats, saying that the Iranians are not afraid of the United States. "This great nation will continue its progress and development" regardless of the threats, he said.

Rouhani said that the Islamic republic is prepared for any decision by the U.S. regarding the nuclear deal.

"We must know that (the U.S.) next week decision will not change our lives," he said.

The Iranian government has given necessary instructions to the executive bodies of the country since a couple of months ago, and "the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has also received orders to deal with the possible U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal," he said.

Iran has threatened to resume nuclear enrichment activities in case U.S. President Donald Trump decertify the nuclear deal.

Trump is expected to decide by May 12 whether to pull out of the nuclear deal, and he has said that he would not extend the waiver suspending the U.S. sanctions on Iran.

In January, Trump extended sanctions relief on Iran under the deal for the last time, threatening to withdraw from it if U.S. Congress and his European allies cannot fix the alleged "disastrous flaws."

The whole world, except the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, is supporting the nuclear agreement, Iranian president lashed out at Trump's call on the Europeans to join his plan.

"I overtly announce to the whole world, Europe, America, the West and the East that we will not negotiate with anyone about our country's weapons and defense programs," said Rouhani.

"We will build and store any amount of weapons and missiles the country may need. It is none of anybody's business what decision the Iranian people have made for their defense," he stressed. Enditem