Zarif has ‘no concern or worry’ about Iran deal

Iran’s foreign minister moves to dismiss concerns Tuesday that his country’s nuclear deal with major powers could hit difficulties, saying he had “no concern or worry” about its implementation.

Mohammad Javad Zarif’s remarks comes during a joint news conference with visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini aimed at ensuring that the historic agreement swiftly takes effect.

Zarif gives a timeline of “60 to 70 days” for the deal to be settled, following talks with Mogherini about measures that are needed.

“Iran will continue to cooperate with the IAEA,” he says, referring to the UN nuclear watchdog.

“I hope the EU and United States will continue to implement their commitments,” he adds.

Asked about accusations made in some of Iran’s conservative media that the agreement breaks supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s “red lines” for the talks, Zarif moves to allay such claims.

“Iran has stuck to its obligations and Iran is going to do the same when it comes to implementing the deal,” he says, acknowledging that “some people in Iran have some doubts about some countries, particularly the US, to implement seriously and precisely.”

But he adds: “I have no concern or worry that the deal will be implemented. I know very well that it is going to be implemented.”

— AFP