"The (western) sanctions have created an opportunity for Iran to become self-sufficient and now Iran has grown into a regional power," Velayati told reporters after meeting Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende in Tehran on Saturday evening.
He said that Iran's power and influence in the region was also underscored by the Norwegian top diplomat who sought Iran's help to settle the regional crises.
"He (Brende) has had some meetings with the Iraqi Prime Minister (Haider al-Abadi) and (President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Massoud) Barzani and they have also reiterated Iran's vital role in resolving the regional crises," Velayati said.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Velayati yesterday, Brende underlined that his country attaches much importance to Iran's aid and assistance to the settlement of the regional crises.
"My country has counted on Iran's help for resolving the regional crises," he said.
The Norwegian foreign minister, meantime, pointed to the status quo in Tehran-Oslo relations, and said, "Expansion of bilateral ties with Iran is on the agenda of the Norwegian government."
He pointed to his meeting with Velayati, and said, "We discussed issues such as fighting terrorism, the ISIL and how to resolve the crisis in Syria and Iraq during our meeting."
