Iran Press/ Middle East: At the beginning of his speech Ali Rabei honoured the mourning month of Muharram and pointed out the social and political importance of this month in our lives specially its role in the Islamic Revolution, and countering oppression in the world.
Rabiei outlined the message of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), a message of resisting tyranny and oppression, to enjoin what is good and proper, and avoid that which has been prohibited.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Rabiei said in recent weeks the presidents of Iran and France have had fruitful discussions and negotiations regarding the JCPOA, with their respective views being very similar.
Commenting on Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's trip to Europe, Rabiei said he is accompanied by senior central bank and oil ministry officials, and the implementation of JCPOA will be discussed with European officials. Rabiei added: "As it has been said and highlighted what Iran wants is to sell its oil. Foreign Minister Zarif's trip to Moscow is also an opportunity to discuss trade and business with Russia, and also discuss the implementation of JCPOA commitments by Russia."
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Commenting on Malaysia and Japan, Rabiei said: "The president of Malaysia will visit Iran soon, and Tehran and Kuala Lumpur are expanding their relations. The Japanese are also keen to strengthen and expand their relations with Iran."
The government spokesman added: "We are certainly not isolated and we are moving forward. Our strategy is to fully implement our commitments under JCPOA if all other signatories do the same and fully honour their commitments under the nuclear deal."
Rabiei added: "Third incremental step of JCPOA would not be implemented if Europe honours its commitments under the nuclear deal. We have not reduced our commitments to withdraw from the nuclear deal. If Europe does not intend or is unwilling to fulfil its commitments, Iran undoubtedly will take its third incremental step and reduce its commitments further."
Turning to domestic issues and the economy, government spokesman Ali Rabiei said a reduction of imports of household appliances into the country this year will boost employment and create job opportunities here in Iran.
Rabiei added: "There has been an 80 percent reduction in imports of household appliances into Iran, which is very good news, and bodes well for Iranian manufacturers of household appliances and efforts to boost employment in the country."
Asked about the third incremental step --due on 6 September-- when Iran will reduce its commitment to the JCPOA further, Rabiei stressed that this step will not be taken if the European signatories to the JCPOA take practical steps to honour their commitments under the agreement and if Iran receives the benefits which it is entitled to under the agreement.
Rabiei added: "The steps we have taken so far are reversible."
Ali Rabei continued by saying: "The core of our negotiations, the central point of our negotiations, is that we must sell our oil freely and easily transfer the revenues to Iran but the Europeans may needed to 'coordinate with other countries'. If they do not act based on the nuclear deal we will take the third step, reducing our commitments further."
Commenting on Iran's neighbours, Rabiei said: "We are a country with 15 neighbours plus many great opportunities for trade and business. We definitely value our neighbours. We will definitely sell our oil. Our wise oil minister has significant plans and projects in this regard. The South Pars project has significant capacities. We have sold our oil to the extent that we want and will continue to do so in the future."
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