Iranian FM says will mightily continue to increase its defensive capability

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Tuesday that regardless of the US sanctions and unconstructive behavior, Iran will mightily continue with increasing its defensive capability.

The foreign minister made the remarks during a phone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.

The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral issues and the upcoming talks in Vienna over a 2015 Iran nuclear deal – known as JCPOA.

He said that Iran has a pragmatic and result-oriented approach both to bilateral relations and the nuclear discussions, expressing hope that Tehran-Moscow negotiations will help cooperation between the two countries.

Amirabdollahian voiced Iran’s readiness for expansion of relations with France in all areas based on mutual respect and common interests of both countries.

He referred to the US responsibility about the current situation of JCPOA and said that the silence of the three European countries involved in the nuclear talks with Iran (E3) has contributed to the US excessive demands.

Iran is in favor of a good deal, the foreign minister said, however, adding that such a deal would depend on the return of all other sides to their commitments under the accord.

Noting that Iran is serious to help a speedy achievement of a good deal, Amirabdollahian said that the UN nuclear agency has to avoid politicizing the case.

He said that Iran will continue with technical cooperation with the agency.

The French foreign minister, for his part, said that his country will support the return of all the parties to the deal.

Le Drian expressed hope that the upcoming talks in Vienna will have a quick progress.

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