TEHRAN, May 29, IRNA – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said that Iran is indifferent to US rhetoric, monitoring US change of stance.
Addressing his first press conference, Abbas Mousavi said that US needs to give up rhetoric and alter its approach and behavior.
Asked about the statement made by US president Donald Trump in Tokyo indicating shift in the US stance, he said that Tehran will decide based on what is observed in the region.
He noted that the Iranian Foreign Ministry has started new moves after US illegal withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Mousavi referred to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s visits to Syria, Turkmenistan, India, China and Japan as examples of the movements taking place in Asia and the region.
The trips are in line with Iran’s national interests; he said adding that diplomatic moves will be held soon with northern neighbors at the ministers and even presidents’ level.
Elaborating on zeroing Iran oil exports to Turkey, he said that regarding the consultations in energy field it should be mentioned that Turkey is one of the most important countries for Iran.
Iran enjoys all-out ties with Turkey and energy makes up for one area of cooperation, he said adding that no contradiction is observed in Turkey’s behavior.
Commenting on the non-aggression treaty initiative to Arab states, Mousavi said the Persian Gulf states are the most important neighbors of Iran.
He noted that Iranian foreign minister’s suggestion is not new and is based on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 598.
He went on to say that Iran is not willing to live in a tension driven region and is determined to help de-escalate tension and misunderstanding.
Commenting on Iran’s preconditions for negotiations with the US, Mousavi said Tehran will have no negotiations with Washington at the moment and they can return to talks by respecting the international agreements.
Elaborating on Europeans’ compliance to their commitments under Iran nuclear deal, he said that they have not been committed practically.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Iranian diplomat referred to Zarif’s meeting with an American senator, saying that the meeting does not mean negotiations.
Tehran does not consider members of Congress as government officials and they have no permission for holding talks, Mousavi said.
Iran has no plan for negotiation with US officials but there is no impediment for holding talks with political figures and ex-US officials, he added.
Referring to Iran’s cooperation with the Caucasus states, he said that Tehran has principled bilateral, trilateral and multilateral negotiations with these countries.
He went on to say that one of the JCPOA signatories has requested for the arbitration joint commission to convene which should be held within 60 days.
If any development happens, Tehran will continue talks unless the second step will get underway, Mousavi said.
Pointing to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov’s upcoming visit to Tehran, he said the visit is upon Russia’s demand for holding the arbitral commission meeting.
In response to another question regarding other countries’ intervention in Syrians’ affairs, he noted that Syrian soil will be liberated soon.
He urged all countries involved in Syrian issue to let Syrian people and the legal government of Syria to practice sovereignty of Syria.
Elaborating on the nature of Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araqchi’s tour to Oman, Kuwait and Qatar, he said the trip is in line with bilateral relations and Iran’s message has been developing cooperation.
