Iran's response constructive, transparent, legal
"The complete removal of sanctions imposed against the government and people of Iran is the main goal of the current negotiations between Iran and the signatories of the JCPOA. Various meetings have been held, and the last round was held in Vienna, and after that, the proposed text was given to the negotiating parties by the coordinator of the European Union," said Nasser Kan'ani in his weekly press conference on Monday in response to a question about the lifting of sanctions if an agreement is reached.
The talks to salvage the agreement kicked off in the Austrian capital city of Vienna in April last year, months after Joe Biden succeeded Trump, with the intention of examining Washington's seriousness in rejoining the deal and removing anti-Iran sanctions.
Despite notable progress, the US indecisiveness and procrastination caused multiple interruptions in the marathon talks. Four days of intense talks between representatives of Iran and the five remaining parties to the JCPOA ended on August 8 with a modified text proposed by the EU on the table.
Iran submitted its response to the EU draft proposal on August 15, a week after the latest round of talks wrapped up which the bloc described as “reasonable". After submitting its response, Tehran urged Washington to show "realism and flexibility" in order to reach an agreement.
The United States, for its part, took several weeks to offer its response to Iran’s comments. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani said Tehran has offered its opinion on the US response to the EU draft text for the JCPAO revival.
"Iran offered its views and response in this regard to the EU coordinator and is waiting to receive the response of the other parties and specifically the response of the US government. Iran's recent response to the EU coordinator on JCPOA talks was constructive, transparent and legal. If the other side has the political will and acts constructively, it is possible to reach an agreement," he added.
If sanctions lifted, Iran can meet Europe's energy needs
Referring to the request of the Europeans to Iran to help solve the problem of the energy crisis, the spokesman said, "Naturally, the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the most important countries supplying energy and fuel needed by different countries in the world due to its rich oil and gas resources. Based on its capabilities and capacities, Iran has maintained its presence in the energy market even under the shadow of the toughest sanctions."
"European countries are facing problems in providing the energy they need, and if the negotiations are successful and the unilateral sanctions against our country are lifted, Iran can meet a larger part of Europe's needs," he added.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has sounded the alarm about the EU's energy crisis, warning that a difficult winter and dangerous disruptions are ahead if no action is taken by Europe.
Andersson’s remarks came after Moscow announced on Friday it was shutting down the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany due to what officials cited as leaks in a turbine converter in the natural gas flow system.
Experts say the shutdown of the pipeline exacerbates a squeeze on Europe’s energy supplies and increases the recession risks faced in the EU.
Receiving guarantees most important agenda of Foreign Ministry
Any agreement is formed if there is no guarantee, it is possible to violate it again, the spokesperson said. "We witnessed that the US withdrew from the agreement, while Iran unilaterally adhered to the agreement. The European parties also failed to fulfill their obligations and could not cover the damages caused by the unilateral withdrawal of the US."
The United States, under former president Donald Trump, abandoned the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated unilateral sanctions that the agreement had lifted.
The guarantee system in any agreement should be strong and robust, Kan'ani said, adding that there should be guarantees that sanctions will be removed and Iran reaps the benefits of the JCPOA.
IAEA inspectors have repeatedly visited Iran's nuclear sites and facilities and confirmed its peaceful nature, the Iranian diplomat noted. "Iran expects IAEA to act responsibly and within its legal and professional obligations. Iran has always been transparent in its nuclear activities."
Iran plays an advisory role in Syria
The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry in reaction to the Zionist regime's attacks on Syrian infrastructure said, "All actions of the Zionist regime against Syrian infrastructure, both military and civilian are illegal and against international laws."
Stating that the regime's claim of attacking the places belonging to Iran is false, Kan'ani added, "Iran played an advisory role in Syria which is on request of Damascus."
Iran's role is substantial in uprooting terrorism in Syria, he underlined, saying, "Iran will not hesitate to fight against terrorism as long as the Syrian government requests it. Iran will continue to support the people and government of Syria."
Feedback on Iran FM's visit to Moscow positive
Stating that the continuation of the war in Ukraine is a source of regret, Kan'ani said, "Iran due to its close ties with both Russia and Ukraine has sought a political solution to the conflict."
A European country asked Iran to convey the message to Russia in an attempt to stop the conflict, he added. "In order to prevent the continuation of the war, the visit of Mr. Amir-Abdollahian to Moscow was done and the talks were held and the feedback on his visit was positive."
Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian traveled to Moscow last Tuesday night to meet with Russian counterpart Lavrov.
The main purpose of the trip to Moscow was to try to solve the crisis in Ukraine based on the request made from the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said, adding that some Western parties asked Tehran to play an active role in this regard.
Raeisi to attend Shanghai summit
Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), he said.
The 2022 annual summit of the SCO Heads of State Council will be held on September 15-16 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Iran supports ceasefire process in Yemen
"Iran wants peace, stability, and security for Yemen. Iran believes that the return of stability and security in Yemen and the consolidation of peace in this country will help strengthen stability and security in the region and the Persian Gulf," Kan'ani said in response to a question about Yemen.
"Iran has stated many times that the main decision-maker regarding the fate of Yemen is the Yemeni nation," he added, saying, "Iran supports the ceasefire process and its continuation in Yemen, but believes that the realization of a lasting ceasefire depends on the complete lifting of sanctions on Yemen."
"The blockade on Yemen should be unreservedly lifted. Terms of ceasefire should be met," Kan'ani said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday told visiting UN envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg that the Islamic Republic believes that Yemen's stability and security have a direct impact on Persian Gulf's stability and security.
Iran to do its best to bring security to Iraq
In reaction to the latest developments in Iraq, the Iranian diplomat said that Iran cherishes stability, security, and peace in Iraq. "Iran does its best to bring safety and security to Iraq."
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