Dialogue can resolve Iran nuclear issue: Larijani

Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has praised support by neighboring Oman for the Islamic Republic’s nuclear rights, saying the West’s nuclear dispute with Iran could be resolved through dialogue.

In a Wednesday meeting with Omani Parliament Speaker Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal al-Mawali in Muscat, Larijani reaffirmed the civilian nature of Tehran’s nuclear energy program and said Oman’s “support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear technology is commendable.”

“We will not give into bullying and believe that the nuclear issue can be resolved through negotiations, but some powers seek to incite political hue and cry,” said the Iranian official.

Larijani further stressed the need for further expansion of Tehran-Muscat relations, saying the two countries “share close views on regional issues.”

“We do not have a sense of rivalry with the countries in the region and all regional states are our friends,” said the Iranian lawmaker.

Mawali, for his part, praised the stable ties between Tehran and Muscat and said economic relations between the two countries must keep pace with the political relations.

He also congratulated the Islamic Republic on inking a historic nuclear deal with the Sextet of world powers – the US, Britain, Russia, China, France and Germany – in Geneva, Switzerland, in late November.

In a separate meeting with Chairman of Oman’s State Council Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Manthri on Thursday, Larijani condemned “divisive” measures taken by Takfiri groups in the Middle East, warning that “regional crises give breathing space to the Zionist regime [of Israel].”

Manthri also expressed satisfaction with Tehran-Muscat relations which are growing on the basis of the political, religious and geographical commonalities between the two Muslim nations.