FM Reiterates Peaceful Nature of Iran’s N. Program

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once again underlined the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, and stressed that the Iranian nation is standing firm on its nuclear rights.

Speaking with the reporters after arriving in the Omani capital of Muscat, Zarif underlined that Tehran's nuclear program has never had any military dimension and objectives and will never have any.

The top Iranian diplomat also said that the sanctions are illegal and have failed to bring about the results intended by those that imposed them.

“It is important for the West to understand that sanctions have never contributed to the resolution of this issue. Sanctions are not a part of solution. Sanctions are the most important part of the problem. They’re illegal in nature. They must be removed. They have not produced any positive result. The only things that sanctions have produced for the West are about 19,000 centrifuges (in Iran).”

Zarif went on to say the removal of sanctions is a main theme of the talks, noting that the extent of Iran’s enrichment activities is another key topic at the talks.

He pointed out that Iran believes a final deal over its nuclear energy program can be reached if the other side has the political will to do so, and added that his Sunday meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton will center on bringing the viewpoints of both sides closer.

"Activities of Natanz, Fordo and Arak nuclear facilities can be continued through applying proper technical ways, and the main cause of disagreement between Iran and the six major world powers over the above-mentioned facilities' activities has been political considerations," the Iranian foreign minister underscored.

Zarif, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton and US Secretary of State John Kerry are scheduled to have a trilateral meeting in Muscat later today, whose agenda includes preparing the ground for the upcoming meeting between Tehran and the six major world powers.  

Iran and the six major world powers have already held 8 rounds of nuclear negotiations after inking an interim agreement in Geneva on November 24, 2013, and have less than three weeks time to strike a final deal before the November 24 deadline.

Tehran and the six powers have already held seven rounds of talks in Vienna, and one more round in New York and on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They are now preparing for their 9th round of negotiations due to be held in Masqat, Oman, on November 11.

The Geneva agreement took effect on January 20 and expired six months later on July 20. In July, Tehran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 after they failed to reach an agreement on a number of key issues.