18 Apr 2024
Thursday 9 May 2019 - 15:49
Story Code : 348161

Araqchi: Iranian interests prior to preserving JCPOA

IRNA - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi said naturally Iran does not intend to create tension but Tehran is not biased towards nuclear deal and meeting Iranians interests is important.

Speaking in a TV interview, Araqchi said the re-imposition of sanctions and re-discussing Iran nuclear program in the UN Security Council are redlines for Iran.

He added that if the P4+1 discuss Iran nuclear issue in the UNSC or re-impose the previous sanctions within 60 days, Iran nuclear deal [the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] will be eliminated and the other side will face Irans firm response.

Despite all the US pressures were entitled to find practical solutions to fulfill Irans interests in 11 fields, including financial, oil and gas, banking, petrochemical, transportation and trade, he noted.

Referring to Europe's slow moves in this regard, Araqchi said the one-year ultimatum was based on their demand and created political superiority for Iran in the world.

Europeans have explicitly announced that their bank and treasuries are more influenced by the US than their governments, he said.

Commenting on Irans decision, he said the recent choice was neither violation of the JCPOA nor withdrawal, but it is taking advantage of GCPOA internal tools to meet Iranians' interests.

He reiterated the fact that no one can accuse Iran of breaching the nuclear deal.

Iran has put on the agenda pulling out of the JCPOA, Araqchi said, adding that it will be accomplished step- by-step and if other parties return to their commitments Iran will also be committed.

He emphasized that Iran will target enrichment percentage in the second step.

Araqchi also referred to modernization of Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility by the aid of other parties, saying Irans demands are nor met within 60 days, Iran will start modernization process by itself.

Stressing the fact that Irans roadmap for P4+1 is clear, Araqchi said Tehran expressed its readiness for holding talks.

Referring to clear stance taken by Russia and China regarding Iran's recent decision, he said Europeans reaction has so far been cautious and they are evaluating the conditions.

Araqchi noted that Irans 60-day ultimatum will not be extended unless our interests are being met.

Iranian diplomat urged Europe to find practical solution in those 11 fields, especially in oil and banking ones, during the mentioned period.

He pointed to Iran oil sale which was 2.8 million barrels before the US withdrawal, saying it should be guaranteed and Iranian oil revenues should be accessible.

Iran is after implementing the JCPOA, he said Tehran will start no new negotiations until the JCPOA turns out to be a successful experience for Iranians.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araqchi said Iran has hosted over three million Afghan refugees and has created two million job opportunities, saying Iran sanctions zero Iran oil sale, Iran will have to take especial policy for its economy and is likely to ask Afghan refugees to leave the country.

Describing US recent media campaign regarding the possibility of military confrontation with Iran as a 40-year defeated experience, Araqchi said Americans have waged media and psychological war against Iranians.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Iranian diplomat referred to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recent trip to Iraq as aiming to put maximum pressure on Iran.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran will give a 60-day moratorium to the states parties to Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to remedy their breaches and restore Iran's interests enshrined by the international deal.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) in a statement announced that Iran has stopped some of its commitments under the JCPOA as of May 8, 2019.
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