Virtual embassy shows Washington regrets severance of Iran ties : Iranian FM spokesman

TEHRAN, Dec.14 (MNA)--In reply to a question about the U.S. virtual embassy in Iran, which went online on December 6, Iran`s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that the issue has two aspects: legal and political. On the legal aspect of the issue, he stated that the first point is that “If the U.S. officials intend to open an embassy, in a virtual form, they should take this point into consideration that, according to international regulations, political and consular relations must be established based on an agreement by the other country.” The second point is that “such a measure, when taken unilaterally, is regarded as interference in the country’s internal affairs, and this is a violation, which will be met with a strong response,” Mehmanparast said. The third point is that “if the Americans intend to alter their attitude, that would mean that they no longer need Interest Section in Iran. And this point should be clarified,” he added. On the political aspect of the issue, Mehmanparast said, “The U.S. showed that it deeply regrets severing relations with our country. They are making every effort and are using various methods to establish relations with our country… If they really regret the attitude they adopted in the past and think that they need relations” with Iran, they should offer an official apology and revise their attitude in practice, and then the Iranian nation will decide what to do.