Aref vows interaction with all countries except Israel

Reformist presidential hopeful Mohammad Reza Aref has promised to interact with all countries except the Zionist regime of Israel if he wins the June presidential election.

Aref, a former Iranian first vice president, said his future administration will be seeking a win-win deal in diplomatic negotiations.

He noted that certain world powers have politicized Iran’s nuclear energy program by creating unnecessary sensitivity about its peaceful nature.

Aref maintained that Iran should take steps to depoliticize its nuclear issue.

A number of political figures have expressed interest in competing in the Islamic Republic’s upcoming presidential election.

Hopefuls can register from May 7 to 11 for the Islamic Republic’s 11th presidential poll, which will be held on June 14.

The president of Iran is elected for a four-year term in a national election, and the Guardian Council vets the candidates for their qualifications.

The United States, Israel, and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Washington and the European Union have used the allegation to impose several rounds of illegal unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Tehran rejects the allegation, arguing that as a committed signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.