National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday defended the administration’s continuing quest to revive the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it was committed to doing so and at the same time stand up for the Iranian people protesting against the regime.

In an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Sullivan was asked if the protests roiling Iran were making the administration “reassess the offer you put on the table to lift sanctions on Iran in regard to its nuclear program.”

“The fact that we are in negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program is in no way impacting our willingness and our vehemence in speaking out about what is happening on the streets of Iran,” Sullivan told host Margaret Brennan.

The death in custody ten days ago of a young Iranian woman sparked protests that have spread across the country. Mahsa Amini had been arrested by the “morality police” over a supposed infringement of hijab rules, but while many protestors are burning headscarves the slogans being chanted are targeting the clerical regime itself.

Sullivan noted that in his U.N. General Assembly speech last week, President Biden had voiced support for the protestors.

“We have in fact taken tangible steps to sanction those morality police who caused the death of Mahsa Amini,” he continued.