Iran FM says Russia not an obstacle to agreement in Vienna

Tehran, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that Russia will support the agreement if it reaches the point of agreement. And this is what has been stressed by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during every single contact between him and his Iranian counterpart, according to Amirandollahian’s remarks released in an interview with the Croatian newspaper Vecernji list. During the interview, Amirabdollahian answered some international, regional, and bilateral questions. About the Vienna talks, Amirabdollahian said both issues of removal of the sanctions and economic guarantee led the talks between Iran and the US to a new phase; the talks which continue under the European Union’s mediation. Asked about Iran’s stance on Ukraine’s war, the foreign minister said Iran sees the root of such a war in the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its provocative measures against Russia. Meanwhile, Iran does not see war as a solution anywhere, he said. Turning to the issue of the July 2015 nuclear deal, aka Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), between Iran and the six world powers – US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany – Amirabdollahian said Iran has been faithful to its commitments. Asked whether Iran and Saudi Arabia have become closer, the diplomat said the fifth round of their talks was held in Baghdad, Iraq, which was constructive. He went on to say that Iran welcomes Tehran-Riyadh diplomatic relations if it turns into normal and natural situation. About the question that if any war would happen between Iran and Israel as tension between the two has aggravated, Amirabdollahian said the Zionist regime of Israel is not strong enough to talk about war against Iran. In the end, the foreign minister elaborated on Iran-Croatia relations and said that the two enjoy good political and parliamentary relations; meanwhile, their economic cooperation should expand. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish