FM Zarif: US Senate decision sign of narrow-mindedness

'I have sent Ms. Mogherini two written messages on the US violations of obligations and the effects of their destructive policies, during the past two weeks,' Zarif told reporters upon arriving in Oslo airport and in response to a question regarding possible new sanctions against Iran in the US senate.

'The issue was also discussed in the last joint commission, and it will be explored in the upcoming session,' he added, referring to the commission which monitors the implementation of the nuclear agreement singed in 2015 between Iran and major powers of the world, known as Group 5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany).

He vowed to talk about the issue in today’s meeting with the EU Foreign Policiy Chief Federica mogherini. “Today, the focus, however, would be on regional issues as the priority of the international community.”

The implementation process of the nuclear agreement is going on smoothly, as Iran and the European Union countries are committed to it, he noted.

“The US backtracking from its commitments is not a new subject, and we do not have such economic ties with them, except for aircraft deal,” Zarif said, adding that the deal has been going forward despite Washington's attempts to impede it.

The Iranian senior diplomat affirmed that the European Union, China and Russia as the main supporters of the nuclear agreement, are determined to pursue their ties with Iran seriously, regardless of the US failures.

“What is operational to us, is that the Americans cannot interrupt the ties,” he added.

“The US Senate decision is indeed an indication of their narrow-mindedness and the wrong policy taken by the US government, especially after the recent election,” the Foreign Minister said, noting that if the situation goes on to the extent that according to the monitoring board requires reaction, it would be responded.

“We have retaliated the US measures, as we did in response to the sanction list by adding 23 US individuals and firms to our sanction list.”

“In the future, some other measures would also be taken in the parliament (Majlis), as well as in the Foreign Ministry, Supreme National Security Council and the monitoring board of the nuclear agreement,' he added.

As to his visit to Norway to participate in Oslo Forum 2017, Zarif described it as an opportunity to discuss the important international issues, especially on security, peace and crisis solving.

He went on to say that it was necessary in the region that the international community’s efforts are extended in order to prevent a new crisis in the region.

Talks on regional issues, including coordinated fight against terrorism and extremism, as well as elaborating Iran’s new government’s approaches are among the visit’s main goals, according to Zarif.

Heading a political delegation, Zarif arrived in Oslo today. He is expected to give a speech in the forum and hold talks with some officials from other countries.

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