Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahyan stressed that “nuclear weapons have no place in the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as they are contrary to our policies and beliefs.”
In a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he noted that “today the world is in a delicate and fragile situation in terms of international peace and security. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is the result of a balance, and various aspects of this balance have always been emphasized, but some countries are engaged in it selectively.”
He believed that “the unrealized aspects of this treaty should be given serious attention, including nuclear disarmament and the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East”, and added that “as the initiator of the idea of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East , the Islamic Republic of Iran declares its readiness to continue constructive cooperation in this direction.
Abdullahyan stressed: “We are serious about reaching a lasting and stable agreement. Negotiations in Vienna are still in earnest, although the outcome of this issue depends on whether the United States wants an agreement. Will it appear? America, is flexibility and realism needed in practice? We have a serious and sincere will to reach a strong and lasting agreement, and we have shown it.”
“Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency continues, but we believe that the agency should fully address the remaining protection issues, distancing itself from perverse and unconstructive political issues and from the technical direction,” he said.
In turn, Guterres pointed to “the need to eliminate nuclear weapons in the world and the need to rid the Middle East of weapons of mass destruction, and we have focused on greater compliance and flexibility at this stage.”
The Secretary General stated: “We are committed to trying to close the Iranian nuclear file” and expressed the hope that “by presenting the new program of the Secretary General, a new step will be taken to achieve greater rapprochement in the Persian Gulf.” region.”
Source: El Nashra