Speaking in Tehran after attending a Parliament session on Sunday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said during his recent trip to New York, he had talked with people who are currently not part of the US administration but were present during the previous nuclear negotiations including decision makers as well as political elites to transfer the realities about the JCPOA to them.
In fact, the American political elite should have heard [Iran’s] words in detail, Zarif asserted.
Regarding meeting with former US Secretary of State John Kerry as an American influential figure, Zarif said “it is true that Kerry is not an official in the US government anymore, … but the US public opinion and lobbying groups can influence the US government policies.”
The Iranian top diplomat said that he had met with different figures from both Democratic and Republican parties during the trip.
Regarding the future of the nuclear deal with Iran known as the JCPOA, Zarif said that Iran decides based on its own interests, adding the pre-announced US decision to withdraw the unclear pact would not be to its advantage.
He stressed that Iran has prepared necessary measures in order to deal with the possible US withdrawal, adding that the United States exit will definitely lead to its isolation.
The Iranian foreign minister went on to add that if the US seeks to squeeze Iran economically, Iran will react appropriately.
Zarif noted that Iran will have different options after the US administration announces its decision on May 12, adding that leaving the JCPIA will remain to be one of Iran options.
The Iranian top diplomat concluded that he was still not sure about what the United States decision would be on May 12.
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