Iran attaches importance to how the other side acts, not to what it says in media, Nasser Kanaani told reporters during his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday.
Referring to speculations about the exchange of messages between Iran and the United States to revive the JCPOA and to remove the sanctions, the spokesman said the Islamic Republic has adopted a clear and fundamental approach to the issue of JCPOA revival.
Also, Iran has put on agenda the policy of foiling the sanctions by relying on domestic resources and by boosting its relations with neighbors, he said, adding that the country has not left the diplomatic process that is aimed at lifting the unjust sanctions from Tehran, Kanaani said.
The spokesman went on to say that the exchange of messages and diplomatic consultations with the other sides via neighboring and friendly states will continue.
Iran will continue to negotiate based on Supreme Leader's views and the country's national interests as well as the laws adopted by the Iranian parliament for the nuclear talks, he said, adding, however, that Tehran will not ignore its red lines while seeking to reach an outcome in the talks.
An area of interest
Elaborating on President Raisi’s ongoing visit to three Latin American states, Kanaani said that South America is one of Iran's areas of interest.
Fortunately, we have common political views with many countries in South America and there are complementary economic capacities which can facilitate bilateral cooperation, he said.
The official said Iran's potentials in the economic sector, in industries, and in new technologies are sought-after by Latin American states, adding that President Raisi's visit to the region would be a good opportunity to develop business cooperation between Iran and countries in the region.
As to Iran-Libya ties and appointment of a new Iranian ambassador to the African country, Kanaani said that Libya is of importance to the Islamic Republic and that n Iranian diplomat will go to Tripoli after administrative issued are resolved for the trip.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the Islamic Republic and the caretaker government in Kabul have reached a consensus on water rights issue as he urged the Afghan side to take positive steps regarding Iran’s rights from the water of the Helmand (Hirmand) River.
Kanaani said Iran expects the ruling government in Afghanistan to abide by its obligations on the water rights issue and show good faith.
Prisoner swap with the US
On the issue of prisoner swap between Iran and the United States, Kanaani said an agreement is within reach if the other side is serious.
“We hope to witness the exchange of prisoners because we have made all the necessary efforts regarding the humanitarian aspects of the issue,” he added.
He explained that negotiations are continuing through mediators, adding that “everything depends on the will of the other party.”
Asked about the latest developments in Iran’s relations with Egypt, Kanaani said, “Regarding Egypt, the clear position of the government and diplomatic institutions was clearly stated, and the Supreme Leader also expressed his position in the meeting with the Sultan of Oman.”
He said that President Ebrahim Raisi's administration’s priority is to develop relations with Islamic and neighboring countries.
Concerning Egypt, he added, Iran welcomes restoration of ties if the Egyptian side is willing to do the same.
Touching upon the latest developments concerning Iran-Saudi ties, Kanaani said that the implementation of an agreement between the two states has had a proper pace and there have not been any obstacles in the way of carrying out the agreement.
The spokesman also noted that Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister is to visit Iran in the near future, adding that the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran will probably open soon.
On the resumption of ties between Iran and Bahrain, he stated that Manama has declared its readiness to this end and that Iran is keen on developing ties with all Islamic and regional nations.
According to the official, Bahrain and Iran are involved in indirect negotiations, adding that it is expected that the current positive trend in the region would lead to the restoration of ties between the two states.
Persian Gulf security
Commenting on Iran’s maritime coalition with some of the Persian Gulf states, he said that Iran’s policy in the Persian Gulf is to engage in collective cooperation to safeguard the interests of regional states.
Kanaani said that Iran believes that the security of the Persian Gulf should be guaranteed by regional countries, adding that the presence of trans-regional forces is a security threat to the region.
Regarding the repayment of part of Iraq’s arrears to Iran, Kanaani said Iran expected the debt to be repaid according to the agreement reached between the two countries, but unfortunately, that did not happen.
“On many occasions, we treated the Iraqi side, as a friendly and brotherly country, with tolerance,” he said. “One should know that adherence to agreements is necessary for the establishment and continuity of constructive relations between the two sides.”
Iran ready to boost ties with Europe
He also said that Iran believes in focusing on mutual interests in its relations with European countries and opposes any move by European governments to views serving the interests of the Zionist regime as a precondition for relations with Iran.
“We are ready to develop our relations with any European country that wants to have relations with us based on mutual respect,” he asserted.
Regarding Iran and Russia’s drone cooperation, he said the two countries cooperate in various fields, including defense, and the cooperation preceded the Ukraine war.
He dismissed claims targeting the cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, saying, “We once again reject the claims that are made with political motives."
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