According to an Iran Press report, foreign minister Zarif defended four dual national Iranians who were part of Iran's negotiating team during the protracted negotiations with the 5+1 Group, which eventually led to the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action ( JCPOA ).
In his comments to the Iranian parliament, Majlis, Zarif said: "I only saw dedication and service from these people" , referring to the four dual national Iranians.
Answering a question from Javad Karimi Ghoddousi, an Iranian MP whose constituency is the city of Mashhad and Kalat, who had asked why four dual nationals were part of Iran's negotiating team , Zarif replied that the individuals concerned were selected because of their academic qualifications, past experience and expertise, or because they were recommended by other organizations and individuals.
In further remarks, Zarif said: "The Islamic republic of Iran uses all legitimate and lawful means at its disposal to advance its objectives within the international community. For example, a British and a French lawyer are part of the legal team representing Iran at the International Court of Justice (ICJ ) at the Hague , Netherlands. No one has objected to this fact. All members of Iran's negotiating team, in the negotiations with 5 + 1 Group which led to the signing of the JCPOA , were vetted by the Intelligence (information ) ministry, and approved by the ministry. Thus all members of the negotiating team had security clearance and were thoroughly vetted by the intelligence ministry. Their commitment and loyalty to the Islamic republic, and their whole-hearted defense of Iran's national interests, were never in doubt."
Foreign minister Zarif pointedly added: "I saw nothing but dedication and service from these people".
JCPOA signifies Iran's legitimacy
Responding to another claim by MP , Karimi Ghoddousi about "Iran's failure in JCPOA (nuclear deal)" , Zarif said: "JCPOA signifies the legitimacy and correctness of the Islamic Republic, because the United States was unable to use this agreement to its own advantage, it was forced in the end to withdraw from the agreement altogether. The nuclear deal (JCPOA ) was legally sound and well-written, so much so that the Americans could not find any flaws or shortcomings in this document. This fact was affirmed by officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The document was legally water-tight. The Americans were defeated. They withdrew from the agreement altogether."
Iran's legal victory
Commenting on $ 1.7 billion reparation or damages which a court of law ordered the United States to pay to the Islamic Republic, Mohammad Javad Zarif said: "One of the four Iranians with dual citizenship, Mr. Dorri Esfahani , played a very significant role in Iran winning damages from the United States. The credit for this win, must go to Mr. Dorri Esfahani. I testified before judicial officials, and I will testify here before the parliament, Mr. Dorri Esfahani played a very effective role in this legal battle and victory".
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