Iran’s Economy Not Tied to JCPOA Talks: President

In a meeting with Foreign Minister of Finland Pekka Haavisto, held in Tehran on Monday, Raisi said the ground is prepared for an agreement in the Vienna talks on the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if the sanctions on Tehran are lifted.

"Iran has shown that it is living up to its commitments, but we will not leave our country's economy to JCPOA's fate," the president said.

"Those who violated the JCPOA were the Americans and those who did not fulfil their obligations were the Europeans, while the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran's peaceful actions in its numerous reports,” Raisi stated.

Referring to the Americans' acknowledgment of the disgraceful failure of the policy of maximum pressure on Iran, he stated, "We hope that European countries will choose the path of independence from American domination, because the United States is not a trustworthy country."

Referring to the Iranian administration's plan to develop neighborly relations, Raisi said, "We are looking for good relations with all countries in the region and we will continue this policy. Wherever there is a problem in our region it is because of the interference of outsiders."

"Relations between the two countries have been very good in the years since the Islamic Revolution, but Finland's relations with other countries should not be influenced by outsiders," the president noted, according to his official website.

Finland can play a more active role in building peace and preventing insecurity, he said, adding, "In addition to the economic and commercial relations, Iran and Finland can cooperate with each other in the fields of human rights, fighting terrorism and organized crimes."

Pointing to the problems in Afghanistan, Raisi said, "The United States and NATO have been present in this country for more than two decades, but its security has not increased, but the result has been destruction, war, poverty and misery for the Afghan people."

For his part, the Finnish foreign minister pointed to the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Finland, saying, "We attach great value to Iran and there is a lot of potential for increasing joint cooperation between the two countries. We are working to promote bilateral interaction as well as cooperation between the two countries on regional security and world peace."

"We share common concerns," he added, noting, "I agree with you on the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan. That was the same message we sent to the Taliban."

"It is unfortunate that the Americans have given up their commitment under the JCPOA," Haavisto said, expressing dissatisfaction with the US’ approach to the nuclear deal.