Closer Ties with Neighbors Iran’s Top Priority after Nuclear Deal: President


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The first priority for Iran following the conclusion of diplomatic talks over Tehran nuclear energy program is strengthening ties with the neighboring countries, President Hassan Rouhani said.

“Our first priority after the (nuclear) deal is the enhancement of relations with neighbors, including the friend and brother state of Qatar,” Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on Saturday.

“I have no doubt that under the post-deal conditions, we will immediately see more cordial relations and further expansion of cooperation between Iran and Qatar,” the president noted.

His comments came after Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion on a lasting nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

After months of diplomatic talks, the negotiating parties could finalize the text of a deal that would terminate all sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear energy program after coming into force.

Elsewhere in the conversation, President Rouhani expressed the confidence that the lasting nuclear deal “would bolster regional security and welfare” to the same degree that it benefits the Iranian nation.

The Qatari emir, for his part, said the Arab country was glad to see a deal between Iran and world powers, saying the long-awaited agreement could help settle many other regional problems as well.