Presidential candidate: Both sides should be committed to JCPOA

Raeisi made the remarks in the second group debate of presidential candidates, aired on the state television Friday evening with political and cultural issues in the spotlight.

He compared nuclear deal with a check which should still be cashed, saying that Iran has been fully committed to JCPOA.

He also referred to economy as one of the most important issues in diplomacy, urging all candidates to follow economic diplomacy.

Raeisi went on to say that Iran plays a crucial role in transit of goods in the region, adding that good relations with neighboring countries should be maintained.

The first debate focusing on social affairs was held live on state TV on April 28.

Ebrahim Raeisi, the custodian of Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine, Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mostafa Mirsalim and former vice president Mostafa Hashemi Taba, as well as President Hassan Rouhani are the six candidates to compete in May 19 presidential elections.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution which led to the fall of the Pahlavi regime, Iran has held one election each year on average all of which have witnessed large turnouts of the people.

9376**1771