Iran’s hands not tied on nuclear issue: Velayati

Head of the Strategic Research Center Ali Akbar Velayati, in an interview with Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV channel, said there is no difference between US Republican and Democratic parties when it comes down to taking a stance against the Islamic Republic, adding “as we have seen so far, democrats too are creating problems for the nuclear agreement with Iran, although in regard to the nuclear case, it is not that Iran has no other option or that its hands are tied. We will definitely act in our own best interests.”

To a question about the failed coup in Turkey, he said “the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately took a stance in support of the legitimate government of Turkey, because we are opposed to any coup and exerting of pressure against legitimate governments and the process of democracy.”

He went on to express his surprise over the stance of certain countries that were supposed to be allies to Turkey but did not condemn the coup, adding “they made every effort for the victory of the coup plotters until the very last moment, and even when the coup failed, [Saudi-owned] Al Arabiya channel voiced regret over the defeat.”

“Most interestingly though, Syrian President Bashar Assad was among those who actually expressed support for Erdogan’s government and condemned the coup,” he said.

Velayati then referred to the situation in Syria and Iraq, saying the political dialogues in those war-stricken countries have been proved to be more and more victorious.

The Iranian senior official further criticized Saudi Arabia for its attempts at normalizing relations with the Israeli regime, waging war against the innocent people of Yemen, plotting against the Syrian government and backing Takfiri terrorists and extremist groups.