Leader Khamenei Urges ‘Strong Answer’ to US Hostility

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran has to respond strongly to “totally hostile behavior” of the US government and it’s Congress.

The Leader told members of Iran’s new parliament in Tehran Sunday that US policies and its threats against Iran have not changed after a nuclear deal reached with Tehran in July.

“The Americans, whether the government, Congress and presidential candidates, constantly make excessive demands and threats,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“Their stances and threats at this moment are the same as before. We shouldn’t remain silent towards these insults,” said the Leader

“Against the insolence of the enemies, there is need to come to the scene and shut their mouths with a strong answer,” he added. 

In its political agenda, the Leader said, “the enemy makes its calculations according to the reactions and if it senses any passivity and retreat from the opposite side, it will not settle for less and will ask for more.” 

Iran has come under new US pressure since the conclusion of nuclear talks, with the American government imposing new sanctions on the country over its missile program and demanding that Tehran restrict it.

Ayatollah Khamenei also warned of enemy plots to trigger an internal strife, urging Iranian lawmakers to neutralize them.

“The enemy is trying to activate ethnic, ideological and partisan faultiness and turn them into an earthquake. Hence, members of Majlis must try to foil this scheme.” 

‘Specific plots’

Ayatollah Khamenei also touched on “the enemy’s specific plots for the important and sensitive West Asian region,” saying Iran is seen as the only obstacle to their realization.

“The presence of Islam and Muslims, massive oil resources and waterways as well as the Zionist regime has made this region very important to the enemy,” he said.

“Their plan for the region is what they cited as the ‘new Middle East’ and a ‘greater Middle East’ several years ago,” the Leader added.

American plans in the region, including in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinians territories, have not realized due to Iran’s resistance, the Leader said.

“There is need to stand up to hegemonic policies and unmask the arrogance.” 

US must take concrete, objective steps on JCPOA, says Zarif

On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad JavadZarif says the US should take more objective steps to guarantee international banking transactions with Iran under last year’s nuclear agreement between Tehran and the P5+1 group of co

“In our view, the first step toward facilitating banking transactions has been taken, but the Americans must now resolutely and seriously take objective steps [in this regard],” Zarif said in a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Tehran on Sunday.

He added that Iran is closely monitoring all the outcomes of the process.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia – plus Germany started implementing the nuclear agreement clinched by the two sides, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on January 16.

Under the deal, all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the Security Council and the US would be lifted. Iran has, in return, put some limitations on its nuclear activities. However, many large European banks still refrain from engaging in transactions with Iran for the fear of US penalties.

Zarif also pointed to cordial relations between Iran and Armenia and the exchange of visits between their officials and expressed hope that “constant consultations will help expand the two countries’ relations and promote regional peace, development and welfare.”

He said Tehran and Yerevan have the potential to strengthen cooperation in the international scene, adding, “Regarding the recent crisis in the Karabakh region, we urge the two sides to exercise self-restraint and are ready to make all efforts for the establishment of peace and security in the region.”

The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, said his country regards the JCPOA as the biggest political event in 2015, adding that the nuclear agreement can be a model for the settlement of many conflicts.

Nalbandian added that Armenia is ready to boost banking transactions with Iran.

 

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