Thousands across Iran staged rallies on Friday in support of the country's nuclear deal ultimatum, many chanting "death to America" and "death to Israel".

Iran threatened Wednesday to renew some nuclear enrichment that had been halted under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers - a year after Trump pulled America from the accord.

The decision came as the US has been pursuing a maximum pressure policy on Iran, aiming to reduce its vital oil exports to zero, and targeting Iran's income through metal exports.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani gave European leaders a 60-day deadline to find a way to shield Iran from US sanctions targeting its economy and oil industry.

Otherwise, he said Tehran would begin to enrich uranium at levels closer to weapons-grade levels.

The European Union on Thursday urged Iran to respect the international agreement curbing the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions and added that the bloc aims to continue trading with the country despite US sanctions.

But so far, the EU and its member nations have not offered any new plans. 

“In fact, we should have at least started the partial withdrawal from the deal last year after America withdrew. God willing the government can complete the (withdrawal) steps well as it has announced, and we can show our decision about the deal considering the failure by America and Europe to fulfill their commitments,” said Khosro Hosseini, a Tehran resident.