Iran Press/Iran news: Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, after a meeting with the visiting UK deputy Secretary of Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Andrew Morrison, Kamal Kharrazi emphasised that the British have a terrible reputation in Iran, stemming from past misdeeds, such as famine during the British occupation of Iran in the First World War, plunder of Iran's oil for many years, overthrow of the government of Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953, support for Iraqi dictator Saddam during his eight-year-war against Iran, etc.
Kamal Kharrazi reiterated that the British government needs to fundamentally change its past approach towards Iran, and take new positive steps if it wants to counter the effect of its very negative reputation in this country.
In further remarks, the former Iranian foreign minister commented on what will Iran do after the 60-day period runs out. He said if the three European signatories to the JCPOA fail to take any meaningful steps to honor their commitments, then Iran will take further steps incrementally reducing its commitments under the deal.
On a more hopeful note, Kharrazi said: "Deputy Secretary of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Andrew Morrison, said today that INSTEX will become operational soon and that London fully supports the JCPOA."
Asked about the future of JCPOA and European obligations under this agreement, Kamal Kharrazi said: "We have to see over the next two weeks what meaningful action the Europeans will take. The Europeans need to provide credit facilities and various resources for INSTEX to become operational, and trade between Iran and Europe actually begin."
The head of Strategic Council of Foreign Policy also said: "We have always wanted to reduce tensions. If the Europeans also wish to reduce tensions, then we have to look at what practical steps they will take to achieve that."
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