Zarif pointed to the anti-Iran statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the latter’s speech at the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly and added, “We definitely will not allow Netanyahu to decide on how we should pursue the nuclear talks. We will decide ourselves.”
Netanyahu and other warmongers seek to sow discord in a bid to sabotage the possibility of an agreement, but Tehran will not allow that to happen, the top Iranian diplomat pointed out.
Netanyahu threatened unilateral military action against Iran to dismantle Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities.
He repeated his baseless accusation that Tehran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Zarif emphasized that Iran will continue to insist on its inalienable right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The Iranian foreign minister argued that Netanyahu’s Iranophobia campaign aims to spoil the positive atmosphere created regarding Tehran’s nuclear energy program following the recent visit by Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and an Iranian delegation including Zarif himself to New York to attend the annual General Assembly meeting as well as extensive meetings with the representatives of other nations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister also said the United Nations should play a “fundamental” role in regional crises, security issues and international challenges, calling on the world body to help settle the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear energy program.
“It is necessary that the United Nations play a central role in Iran’s nuclear issue, and we shouldn’t allow improper political comments and moves to disrupt this process,” Zarif said.
The Iranian foreign minister further pointed to Tehran’s efforts to help work out a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria, saying Tehran is prepared to continue to offer any cooperation aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict in the Arab state.
Zarif also warned of the dangers of chemical weapons in the hands of extremist groups, adding, collective and international efforts should focus on the chemical disarmament of all sides in Syria.
