Iran advances prove sanctions futility

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says Iran’s advancements in various fields are conclusive proof of the inefficacy of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The top Iranian diplomat told his Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt that the country’s great march of progress comes despite the US-engineered UN sanctions which are aimed at discouraging the Islamic Republic from pursuing its peaceful nuclear program.

Mottaki, who was speaking at a meeting with the Swedish foreign minister on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York on Thursday, went on to criticize the West for its double standard policies regarding nuclear rights of different countries.

The Iranian minister cited the politicization of Iran’s nuclear dossier as a clear example of what he described as “Western hypocrisy.”

Mottaki also responded to calls for holding talks with the P5+1 — the US, the UK, France, Russia, China, plus Germany — saying the Islamic Republic is ready to discuss its nuclear program with the group.

The Iranian foreign minister went on to underscore Iran’s resolve to pursue its rightful nuclear program under international law.

He also made a reference to the Tehran declaration, drawn up and signed by Iran, Brazil and Turkey in the Iranian capital on May 17, which Iran deems as the keystone for any future negotiations.

Based on the declaration, Iran agreed to exchange some 1,200 kilograms of its low-enriched uranium on Turkish soil with fuel for the Tehran research reactor.

The trio’s agreement was issued as part of efforts for ending the standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran’s nuclear program.