Tehran sets foreign policy priorities for new year

Tehran lays out its foreign policy objectives for the new Iranian year, citing the nuclear issue, atomic disarmament and broader diplomatic ties as major priorities.

“Global disarmament will definitely be on the agenda for the country’s diplomatic body this coming year [which begins on March 21],” Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told ILNA on Friday.

“We will try to lead the international disarmament campaign with the hope of intensifying the efforts and encouraging other countries to join in,” he added.

Mehmanparast also reiterated that Iran would move forward with its peaceful nuclear work, determined not to allow “greedy” powers to advance their hostile and unreasonable demands regarding Iran’s legitimate nuclear pursuits.

The spokesman added that Tehran would also try to expand ties with regional states, with the greater goal of establishing an Asia Union in mind.

Commenting on the prospective of stronger relations with the European Union, Mehmanparast emphasized that any sort of cooperation between the sides could only be possible if EU governments reduce Washington’s influence on their policy-making.