Iranian, French Envoys Discuss Regional Issues
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi and his French counterpart, Bruno Aubert, held talks on a range of issues, including the latest developments in the Middle East.
During the meeting, held at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad on Sunday, Masjedi and Aubert exchanged views about various issues, including bilateral relations between Iran and France and the latest developments in the region.
In an earlier meeting on Saturday, Masjedi and Iraqi President Barham Salih discussed the most recent political developments in the region.
Masjedi and Salih also stressed the necessity for constructive dialogue among regional countries to de-escalate tensions and boost stability in the region.
The meeting came against the backdrop of increased tensions between Iran and the US with Washington imposing sanctions hampering Tehran-Baghdad relations.
The US has ratcheted up pressure on Iran since last year after withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Since then, the administration of US President Donald Trump is trying to reduce Iran’s oil exports to “zero,” and has sent an aircraft carrier strike group, a bomber squad, an amphibious assault ship, and a Patriot missile battery to the Middle East to try to stack up pressure on Tehran.
Iranian officials, however, have dismissed such moves as psychological warfare, saying the country has its own ways of circumventing the American bans and selling crude oil.
