Iran says it won't be 'bullied' by US over nuclear deal

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned the US against "bullying" and warned that any further action by Washington could lead to a "strong response" from Tehran.

It comes after the US appeared to move closer to ending its side of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which has seen sanctions eased on the country.

The nuclear agreement between Iran and several world powers - including the US - was agreed in 2015, in a move which was seen

President Donald Trump has described it as a "bad deal" for Washington and made no secrets for his dislike for the treaty.

On Thursday, the US said it had still not decided whether to stick to the deal and a final decision will be made public by October.

Many in Trump's inner-circle want the president to ditch the deal, but pragmatists want Washington to give Tehran more time to meet its obligations.

Either way, Iran has warned it will not be bullied into submission by the US.

"Iran - which is a powerful nation - will not give in to pressure and will not bow," Khamenei told police officers in Tehran.

"The corrupt, lying, deceitful US officials insolently accuse the nation of Iran... of lying, whereas the nation of Iran has acted honestly and will continue on this path until the end in an honest manner."

Khamenei - who is Iran's most powerful political and religious figure - is, like many conservatives, thought to be sceptical about the nuclear deal.

The agreement was led by Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and seen as a victory by moderates, with sanctions relief and improved relations with the West.

Since the agreement was reached, conservatives have kept up the harsh rhetoric against the US. 

"The enemy should know that bullying may work in other parts of world, but it will not work in the Islamic Republic."

"You are the liars. The nation of Iran is standing firm and any wrong move... will face a reaction by the Islamic republic," said Khamenei.

Despite the tensions, President Rouhani - who will head to the UN headquarters in New York on Sunday - said wanted to keep relations with the US cordial.

"They (United States) can choose the right path and also enter the room where the food is served. We would not have a problem with that," Reuters reported the Iranian president saying.

Agencies contributed to this story.