Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi denounced the US administration for sticking to its predecessor’s approaches, saying the administration of Joe Biden has maintained the same policy of sanctions and pressures against Tehran.
In a telephone conversation with President of the European Council Charles Michel on Wednesday, the Iranian president said the US policies on Iran have not changed practically although the administration of Joe Biden has replaced Donald Trump.
“The very same approach and measures, namely the sanctions and pressures against Iran, have remained in place,” Raisi deplored, as quoted by Tasnim news agency.
Taking a swipe at the US for violating and withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, the Iranian president said the European parties were expected to honor their JCPOA commitments, but have failed to do so.
Responding to the comments from the European Council’s president about the EU’s efforts to maintain its independence in the relations with the US, Raisi expressed hope that Europe would make progress on the path to “strategic independence”.
Voicing Iran’s willingness to boost ties with the European Union in various fields of mutual interest, Raisi said the sustainability of bilateral relations with the EU and its member states hinges on adherence to the principles of “mutual respect, focusing on the commonalities, and preventing the effect of external factors.”
He emphasized that continued cooperation requires “practical determination” on part of the Europeans and refraining from linking the ties to the will of unilateralist powers, such as the US.
For his part, Michel highlighted the European Union’s willingness for the promotion of economic cooperation with Iran.
He said the fact that the sanctions have adversely affected the relations between the EU and Iran is a reason for the bloc to attach significance to the concept of strategic independence.
Michel said the EU is eager to remain as an honest partner for Iran in order to contribute to stability in the region.
Source: Iranian media
