Presidential hopeful says will stand against US breach of JCPOA

Tehran, May 6, IRNA – Presidential candidate Es'haq Jahangiri slammed US breach of its obligations enshrined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action saying he will powerfully stand against any violation of the nuclear deal. Jahangiri made the remarks during the second group debate of presidential candidates, aired on the state television Friday evening with political and cultural issues in the spotlight. Elaborating on the country’s problems before the nuclear deal, Jahangiri who is currently first vice president said that despite deficiencies, the government was successful in all its programs. The JCPOA was one of the great successes of Iranian nation and the government reached all its goals enshrined in the nuclear deal, Jahangiri added. He said that Iran’s right for peaceful use of nuclear energy was recognized by the world and the oppressive sanctions were removed. Persophilia replaced Iranophobia as the result of the incumbent government approach, the presidential hopeful noted. He said that the country is now ready for development and we have elevated the crude oil export from 1 million bpd to 2.5 bpd. Jahangiri noted that the export of petrochemical products witnessed 30 percent growth and the shipping insurance problem has been already resolved. Tens of billions of dollars of oil revenues which was blocked aboard was released, he added while explaining the outcomes of nuclear deal. “We accept that the US violated its obligations enshrined in the nuclear deal and we will stand against their disloyalty powerfully.” He urged all Iranians to help the government in showing the real face of Iran in the world, adding that boost of tourism can help improve Iranian people ties with the world. Iran’s power has roots in its rich culture, Jahangiri added, noting that “Showing the peaceful nature of Iranian culture to the world can empower its economic, defensive and foreign policy.” He urged people to vote for moderate presidential candidates to prevent new adventurist policies in the country. The universities are main centers for development of science and technology, the presidential hopeful said, adding that the current government has done its best to make a link between university research centers and industry. Two weeks before Iran’s 12th presidential elections, the second live debate of presidential candidates, started here on Friday afternoon with political and cultural issues in the spotlight. The first debate focusing on social affairs was held live on state TV on April 28. Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former vice president Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani are the six candidates to compete in May 19 presidential elections. The candidates are given equal times so that they can introduce their plans in both live and recorded television and radio programs to the nation, based on a specific time-table which has been announced earlier. Documentaries about each candidate’s biography have also been produced by their electoral headquarters to be aired twice on state television to let those eligible vote get more familiar with the candidates. Social networks seem to have a significant role in the elections this year as the supporters of each candidate have an active presence in cyberspace. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Iran has held one election each year on average all of which have witnessed large turnouts of the people. 1378/IRNA