Zarif Highlights Iran’s Distrust of US

“The problem in our relations with the US derives from the Iranian people and statesmen’s distrust of  American officials’ behavior,” Zarif said at a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart Albert Koenders in Tehran.

“The Americans’ remarks to satisfy the public opinion in that country (the US) have not helped rebuild that trust,” Zarif added.

His comments come against a backdrop of finalization of the text of a comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

While many consider the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) a major breakthrough in the improvement of ties between Iran and the West, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has made it clear that Tehran’s policy towards the US will remain unchanged regardless of the ultimate fate of the JCPOA.

Elsewhere in the press conference, Zarif highlighted the significant role that the Netherlands can play in the fulfillment of the European Union’s commitments under the JCPOA.

“Holding the rotating presidency of the European Union within the next six months, the Netherlands will have an important role in the implementation of the EU’s commitments under the JCPOA,” the top Iranian diplomat noted.

He further voiced Iran’s readiness to cooperate with the “European partners” on regional and international issues and on economic development.

For his part, Koenders said he is in Iran to strengthen political, cultural and economic relations.

He underlined that following implementation of the JCPOA, Iran-EU ties will be on the basis of partnership. 

According to the 159-page nuclear accord, the European Union will terminate all sanctions and restrictive measures against Iran in different areas as in “investment in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors” after implementation of the nuclear accord.