Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif gestures during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, February 13, 2019. (Photo: VCG)

The international community and remaining signatories of Iran's nuclear deal should act to save the accord as "supportive statements" are not enough, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told state media Friday during a visit to Japan and China.

Last week, Iran notified the five remaining signatories that it would scale back some commitments under its 2015 nuclear deal, a year after Washington left the pact and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Tehran has asked the other signatories to help protect its economy from U.S. sanctions.

"Safeguarding the (nuclear accord) is possible through practical measures, and not only through supportive statements," Zarif was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA.

"If the international community feels that this (nuclear) accord is a valuable achievement, then it should take practical steps just like Iran does," Zarif said on Iranian state television. "The meaning of practical steps is fully clear: Iran's economic relations should be normalized."

Earlier Thursday, the United Nations also expressed concerns over the volatility of the situation, calling for "maximum restraint" from all parties amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and countries in the Gulf region.

Zarif met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his official visit to China starting late Friday, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest.

In the meeting, Wang expressed firm opposition against the U.S.' unilateral sanction and long-arm jurisdiction, reiterating that China supports Iran to safeguard its legitimate rights and understands Iran's situation.