IRNA – Iran’s Ambassador to France Ali Ahani on Tuesday stressed that the European Union’s confrontation with the US efforts to hinder implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would benefit the Union.


Ahani made the remarks in a meeting with students of the Arbitration and International Business Law of France Versailles University.
The meeting was held at the Iranian Embassy in Paris.

Ahani reiterated commitments of the world six major powers known as the Group 5+1 (US, Russia, Britain, France and China plus Germany) based on the landmark nuclear deal which was signed in July 2015 and its official implementation began on 20 January 2016 and criticized impediments made by the US on the way of JCPOA complete implementation through imposing trans-territorial laws and regulations.

“The efforts made by the EU to find out a legal solution to confront US trans-territorial laws which are against sovereignty of other countries would ensure Europe’s interests,” said the Iranian ambassador.
As for Iran-France relations and huge opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the fields of joint investments by French companies in Iran and Tehran-Paris cooperation to fight against terrorism as a regional and international threat, Ahani said that the fight against terrorism and extremism requires countering with its ideological origins.

He also answered questions on impacts of US initial sanctions on the implementation of JCPOA and the new US government’s approach regarding the landmark nuclear deal as well as developments in the Middle East region.

Responding to a question on rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the region, he said that Iran rejects any competitive and oppositional approaches with Saudi Arabia.

He added that Tehran and Riyadh’s national interests as well as interest of other regional states have made it necessary that Iran and Saudi Arabia pursue an approach of dialogue and cooperation based on realism and foresightedness for which, Ahani stressed that Saudi Arabia needs to change its policies and views.

Political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have severed since 2015 when hundreds of the Iranian pilgrims were tragically killed in a stampede during Hajj rituals in Mina. Ties between the two countries escalated in 2016 after Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic missions were attacked by angry people in protest to the execution of the Saudi leading Shiite leader Nimr al-Nimr by Riyadh government.