Iran says may "take options" if U.S. leaves nuclear dealSeptember 29, 2017 - 13:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday, September 28 that if the U.S. withdraws the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran will also opt for quitting the deal or taking other options, IRNA reports. The U.S. will be in a better position if it remains committed to the nuclear deal, Zarif said in an interview with the Qatari-based satellite network, Aljazeera. “If the U.S. quits the JCPOA, Iran will have other options available,” Zarif said. As for the Iran-Saudi Arabia relations, the Iranian top diplomat said, “Tehran is ready for dialogue with Riyadh on regional disagreements.” Iran has always endeavored to establish stability in the region but Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have undermined it, he said, noting that Saudi Arabia should stop exporting terrorism and extremism. Touching upon the crisis in Qatar, Zarif said that Saudi Arabia’s policies vis-à-vis Qatar are not positive. He reiterated Iran’s support for Kuwait’s mediation. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Bahrain cut off their relations with Qatar in June, alleging that the tiny Arab kingdom is supporting terrorism, but Doha has categorically rejected the accusation. Later, the countries set 13 conditions for resuming ties with Doha including cutting off its relations with Iran but Doha dismissed all the allegations, noting the preconditions contravene the country’s sovereignty. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |