Iran to Europe: You Can’t Swim without Getting Wet

Zarif made the remarks in his address to the Mediterranean Dialogues Conference (MED) in the Italian capital of Rome.

“We negotiated with the US along with other countries, and reached a good conclusion. Now Europe and others should make investments and pay costs for their efforts and global security. You can’t swim without getting wet,” Zarif said.

“Iran has survived for 7,000 years, not just 40 years, and will do so in the future. The history of Iranian and Italian empires is longer than the lifespan of certain countries, and that’s why we don’t give in to coercion, because we know no power is eternal.”

He also lashed out Western states for asking Tehran to change its regional policies, and said, “Why should Iran change its regional policies? Was it Iran that supported Saddam? Was it Iran that backed the ISIS, Taliban, and Nusra Front? Did we create the 9/11? Did we impose a blockade on Qatar? Are we bombing the people of Yemen? Did we imprison the prime minister of another state in our country? Was it Iran that adopted wrong policies? They are the ones who should change their regional policies and behaviours.”

“Everyone knows me as a man of interaction and dialogue; but when it comes to choosing between Iran’s independence and interaction with the world, I’d definitely choose my country’s independence,” he added.

“Diplomacy is not a game, and we’re always ready for serious action.”