He reiterated his country's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (JCPOA) at noon, following talks in Vienna with his Austrian counterpart Alexander van der Belen, Iranian President Hassan Rohani, stressing that if others had signed the Agreement can safeguard Iran's interests, his country will remain in the Agreement, without the US.
Stating that the countries that signed the Agreement - Russia, China, Germany, France and Britain - all showed "a strong political will", he expressed the hope that they would take a similarly decisive stance on trade and the economy.
At the same time, the Iranian president succeeded against Washington, which, as he said, with its withdrawal from the Agreement not only violated international rules, but "undoubtedly" caused damage to it as well, as, in his view, it is strange that a country takes a decision against its national interests.
He also criticized the "destructive role" of the United States and Israel in the region, calling Austria a "friendly country in the European Union", with which Iran has similar views on many international issues and its positions on the Agreement on the nuclear program are identical.
For his part, Austrian Federal President Alexander van der Belen, expressing his support for the Agreement - which was signed three years ago in Vienna after lengthy negotiations and which the US withdrew last May by a decision of his "For Austria, this nuclear deal is a key element in the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons," said President Donald Trump.
The Austrian president particularly emphasized the fact that this "significant diplomatic success" was "unanimously" sealed by the UN Security Council, while indirectly but clearly criticizing Washington, he noted that compliance with the agreements is a key element in international cooperation ”.
He criticized the fact that, in addition, the United States, after withdrawing from the Agreement, imposed sanctions on Iran, which affects Austrian companies, hundreds of which are present in Iran.
He also noted that efforts are being made, even in these difficult times, not only to maintain but also to deepen the framework conditions for the economic relations between the two countries.
Early in the afternoon, the Iranian president had talks with the Austrian Chancellor and President of the European Council in the second half of 2018, Sebastian Kurtz, while later he was to meet with Austrian businessmen, as part of a special event at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
In Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini confirmed today that the foreign ministers of Russia, China, Germany, France and Britain will meet in Vienna on Friday in Vienna. their counterpart to consider how the Iran nuclear deal could be saved after the US pulls out of it.
Recently, in view of Austria taking over the EU Presidency, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurtz had warned that the EU had a few weeks to save the Agreement with Iran, and also noted that "joint efforts are being made in the EU and everyone supports this Agreement, which is a good agreement "
He had noted that "Trump is pursuing an unpredictable policy" and that relations between the EU and the US are "very strained" and also that what European Council President Donald Tusk (about Trump) had said, that whoever has such friends does not need enemies, he accurately describes the situation ".
On the other hand, Europe and Austria see their economic interests at stake and "we are not going to accept that," the chancellor warned, adding that Austria, as an exporting country, wanted no new trade barriers and that the agreement be maintained. with Iran.