E3’s Anti-Iran Statement ‘Destructive’ at Current Situation: Rouhani

In the Tuesday meeting, President Rouhani strongly criticized the recent statement by the E3 (Germany, France, and the UK) and the groundless accusations levelled against the Islamic Republic.

“The issuance of this baseless statement under the current critical and complicated circumstances is not constructive and beneficial at all,” Rouhani said.

He also slammed London’s negligence in living up to its commitment for Iran to enjoy the economic dividends of the nuclear deal.

A positive economic atmosphere was one of the commitments under the JCPOA, Rouhani said, calling on all parties to operationalize their commitments, including the INSTEX financial mechanism, as soon as possible.

Rouhani further pointed to his Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) initiative, which will be brought about at his UNGA speech Wednesday, and described cooperation among regional countries as the only way to establish sustainable peace and stability in the region.

The Iranian president stated that other countries’ support, including that of the UK, is effective in the realization of the goal.

Johnson, in turn, stressed that London is willing to develop relations with Tehran, adding that his country has always supported the JCPOA and will continue to do so.

He also said that the British Foreign Secretary worked hard to dissuade the United States from withdrawing from the JCPOA, but to no avail.

Johnson also referred to Iran’s effective role in the region, saying, “We still hope that the JCPOA remains in place and regional tensions are eased.”

Johnson, whose visit to New York was left unfinished and had to return home over domestic political developments, invited Rouhani to pay an official visit to the UK in order to continue bilateral consultations.