Zarif noted that Iran is not after a conflict between Europe and the United States, adding "we should stick to one position in one side; we do not need to bridge the gap between Europe and America."
"Current situation is such that European countries should either follow their own interests or that of US President Trump," he added on Sunday in the first joint meeting between Iranian ambassadors and representatives of private sector companies.
“These conditions provide a special opportunity for us and we should make use of that,” he highlighted, adding that US is isolated and forced to use apparent political pressures for furthering its aims.
Americans are ‘addicted’ to imposing sanctions and Iran is among many countries which face such measures, Zarif noted.
“Formerly, some countries were following US sanctions against Iran, and Security Council was also imposing further sanctions, however today, this is not the case,” he said, adding that US sanctions has lost its legitimacy and the country is forcing other countries to act contrary to the UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
He went on to say that Iran bridged the conflict between US and Europe in 2002, 2003 and 2005, but today, common sense dictates that Iran should not do the same at present.
Describing US current trend in international arena as ‘dangerous’, he said that other countries’ resistance against US measures depends on “how they could find ways to make use of opportunities.”
“It is regretful when president of a country like US threats some of our neighbors saying "if US cuts its support for you, you will not survive after two weeks.’
They [US] have fought against us for 40 years, having used different sanctions, pressures and conspiracies against our country, however, thanks to God and with the efforts of the Iranian people, we have made progress every day, and today, we endure hardships and are more proud than ever.”
“We should demonstrate that our nation is more powerful than those who have put sanctions against us and believe that "we will stay and they will leave.”
“My colleagues in Iranian embassies across the world are required to do their best to raise oil and non-oil exports to different countries,” he said, highlighting that helping private sector increase exportlevel is among top duties of Foreign Ministry.
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