Speaking in a joint press conference here on Saturday with visiting Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, Zarif said Iran and Australia have always had political and economic relations and now its is time to upgrade bilateral ties.
He added Iran and Australia have common concerns over extremism and terrorism in the region and the issue was discussed between him and Bishop.
'One of the problems which has made us and Australia worried is the illegal groups that are involved in human smuggling and the two countries have decided to hold talks on this problem.'
On a question about fighting ISIL in Iraq, Zarif said the war against terrorists in Iraq should be managed by the government of that country and whatever Iran does in this regard is coordinated with Iraq.
Zarif reiterated on international support for the government of Iraq in its struggle against terrorists and said fighting against terrorism should not be selective and political considerations should not get involved in this war.
Stressing that Iran is against any attacks on civilians, Zarif expressed hope that terrorist crimes would stop and there would be no retaliation, either.
To a question about remarks by US General Martin Dempsey who has recently said military option against Iran is still on the table, Zarif said they have been addicted to this kind of talking and it's hard for them to quit it.
'Military option against Iran is not effective and Americans had better not say these things and we do not listen to them.'
The only way is recognizing the rights of Iran and working on the basis of mutual respect so that better results come out of the negotiations, said the Iranian Foreign Minister.
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