Ayatollah Mohammad Gharavi:

Negotiations only way to deal with oppression of sanctions

Rasa – A prominent member of the Supreme Council of Seminaries has stated that the strength of Iran’s negotiating team during the recently-concluded negotiations with the P5+1 group of countries over its disputed nuclear program increased Iran’s standing on the international scene.

News ID: 3018

Date: 27 July 2015 - 19:57

RNA – In an exclusive interview with Rasa News Agency, Ayatollah Mohammad Gharavi, a member of the Supreme Council of Seminaries, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team in reaching an agreement with the P5+1 group of countries over its disputed nuclear program.

He added that the sanctions have been a great injustice to the Iranian nation and naturally, such injustices must be fought against.

His Eminence added that given the conditions that Iran found itself facing and the international sanctions against the country, the only way it could overcome the oppression and to gain influence on the international scene was to engage in negotiations to realize its legitimate rights.

The member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom stressed that their efforts were commendable, adding that during the long 22 months of negotiations, Iran’s negotiating team did not become discouraged nor did they retreat from their goals. “The Iranian authorities worked hard to achieve this agreement,” he said.

“The importance given by [Mohammad-Javad] Zarif and [Ali-Akbar] Salehi in regard to Supreme Leader's red lines was the cause of Iran’s strength during the negotiations and this strategy helped them advance until they achieved their goals,” he said.

“The strength of Iran’s negotiating team during the negotiations increased the country’s standing on the international scene,” he added.

Referring to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, Ayatollah Gharavi said that the sanctions cannot be reimposed based on the “fantastical” claims and intentions of a single country. He added that Iranian officials should make every effort to cooperate and if there is an ambiguity in the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it should be removed to that it cannot be abused.

His Eminence added that the country’s authorities must continue their work and to examine the text of the JCPOA. The negotiating team should continue their political activities and to provide plausible arguments so that the deceitful plans the enemy are rendered ineffective. However, he warned the negotiators against arrogance during the negotiating process, saying that the negotiators can be flexible, yet tough at the same time.

The member of the Supreme Council of Seminaries said that senior military officials must act in accordance with the JCPOA, stressing that Iranian officials and people should maintain the country’s overall interests and warned against a hasty and reactionary attitude because sometimes harsh confrontations motivate harsh actions against the country.

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