Iranian FM: nuclear program to remain “intact”
By Sara Rajabova
The Iranian Foreign Minister said the country's nuclear program will remain "intact" and Tehran will not close any program.
Iran is willing to address international concerns about its nuclear activities, Mohammad Javad Zarif told reporters in New Delhi on February 27
He said Tehran is ready to do anything necessary to prove that its nuclear program is peaceful, Press TV reported.
The U.S. and some of its Western allies suspect Iran of developing a nuclear weapon - something that Iran denies.
Zarif said Iran is prepared to make sure that its program is exclusively peaceful, and create the necessary understanding for the West.
"I believe there are multiple ways of doing that and we are willing to entertain those ways," he added.
He also expressed hope that a final nuclear agreement would be reached between Tehran and the six world powers by the end of July.
Zarif gave assurance that Iran has the political will and good faith that is required to achieve that.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington must pursue diplomatic negotiations with Iran before it chooses the military option.
Kerry's comments were made in reference to negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group, as well as a move by the U.S. Senate Republicans who are seeking a bill that would impose new sanctions on Iran.
The White House has warned that passing new sanctions would represent a "march toward war" and challenged those members of the Congress in support of the bill to acknowledge their inclination towards military action against Iran.
Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - Russia, China, France, Britain and the United States- plus Germany wrapped up their latest round of nuclear negotiations in Vienna, Austria, on February 20, and are set to meet again in the Austrian city on March 17 to continue their talks.
After the talks, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague hailed the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group as "constructive," saying the two sides have agreed on an "approach" to their future discussions.
He said the sides agreed on the issues that need to be resolved as part of a comprehensive agreement, and, in broad terms, the approach to negotiations in the coming months.
Iran and the P5+1 inked an interim deal on the country's nuclear energy program in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 24 last year. The Geneva deal took effect on January 20.