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Iran will not tie expansion of trade relations to JCPOA revival: FM spox

Monday, 04 September 2023 11:30 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 04 September 2023 11:34 AM ]

Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kana’ani (Photo by Mehr news agency)

Iran will not tie expansion of its trade relations with other countries to the outcome of talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman says.

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Nasser Kan’ani said the Islamic Republic will pursue neutralization of unilateral sanctions instead of waiting for the result of negotiations aimed at restoring the nuclear agreement, also called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“In line with its inherent duty, Iran’s diplomatic apparatus seeks to develop foreign relations with all countries willing to develop relations within the framework of mutual respect,” Kan’ani said.

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Pointing to efforts to enhance Iran’s relations with neighboring countries, Kan’ani said the country has managed to elevate its position in regional and international equations.

Kan’ani explained that Iran has sought to join multilateral international organizations, the latest of which was accession to the the BRICS group of emerging economies, and even signed agreements with friendly countries within the framework of long-term comprehensive cooperation.

The spokesman also emphasized that Tehran will explore all legal procedures to restore the Iranian nation’s rights.

“We managed to export our oil and maintain our position regardless of sanctions. The cruel sanctions have undoubtedly placed limitations on Iran and its partners, but Iran proved that it won’t be restricted by the bans,” he said.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kan’ani said it was the US side that rejected the draft agreement that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell had proposed on the revival of the JCPOA.

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He stressed that the “September document” is not something new, but rather an agreement reached between Iran and the remaining parties to the landmark deal – Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany.

Iran will not interfere in Iraq’s domestic affairs

Elsewhere in his comments, Kan’ani underlined that Iran will never interfere in the internal affairs of neighboring Iraq, and it is the Baghdad government’s responsibility to ensure security and stability throughout the Arab nation.

“Our priority is to support the security and stability of neighboring countries,” he said, adding that Iran rushed to the aid of regional countries whenever it was asked for help.

“The Iraqi government has the necessary authority and tools to restore security. Iran will help once it is requested to do so,” he said.

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