Iraqi: We Also Contribute to the Atmosphere of Distrust

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, implicitly confirmed Barack Obama's statements that the Islamic Republic's missile tests have simultaneously caused 'concern' among investors and 'slowed' the investment process in Iran. Obama stated on Friday (April 2) regarding foreign investment in Iran after the implementation of the JCPOA that Tehran must demonstrate that it has created a 'safe environment' for business. He added that Iran has engaged in a range of 'provocative actions,' including conducting 'ballistic missile tests,' which worry potential investors. On Saturday night (April 3), Araghchi, in a special news dialogue program, implicitly confirmed these remarks, stating that 'we [the Islamic Republic] also contribute somewhat to the atmosphere of distrust.' Araghchi added, 'If we want to resolve problems sooner, we must create this trust so that someone who wants to invest in Iran and bring their money to the country can trust.' According to him, the Islamic Republic must prepare the environment so that 'Americans cannot exploit this atmosphere.' The Deputy Minister for Legal and International Affairs added that 'the national interests of the country require us to create a calm and trust-building environment for companies that intend to invest in Iran.' Iran's military programs, especially in the missile sector, have raised widespread concerns in the region and some countries around the world, but Tehran claims that the nature of its military programs is entirely defensive. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted several missile tests after signing the nuclear agreement, the JCPOA, which have faced reactions from Western countries, especially the United States. Araghchi also stated that missile tests and the possibility of new sanctions due to these tests would not constitute a 'violation of the JCPOA.' He noted that if the U.S. imposes new sanctions against Iran because of missile tests, this action would not mean a 'violation of the JCPOA.' He did not consider the IRGC's missile tests as a violation of this agreement and stated that the Islamic Republic's missile program is not a new issue in the international arena. Araghchi also stated: 'According to the Supreme Leader's statements, new sanctions are a violation of the JCPOA, and our criterion is the Supreme Leader's intentions, and from his perspective, it is a violation of the JCPOA.' As this Iranian Foreign Ministry official announced, 89 individuals, both natural and legal persons, have been placed on the Security Council's sanctions list due to missile issues. However, Araghchi added that 'the missile issue is a security and defense matter, and we do not joke about it at all, and during the negotiations, we did not allow them to enter this discussion.' Following Ali Khamenei's recent speech to a group of clerics defending Iran's missile program, the political atmosphere in Iran has shifted towards supporting these programs and increasing verbal attacks on the West. Ali Larijani, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, also announced on Sunday morning (April 4) in the first public session of the Assembly in the new year that 'we emphasize increasing missile capabilities.' Larijani stated, 'The excuses of some Western countries regarding Iran's recent missile issue are unskillful and legally worthless.' In this context, 'five trillion tomans for strengthening Iran's defense capabilities' in the year 1395. Obama addressed Iran: missile tests worry investors. Continued imposition of U.S. sanctions and avoidance of major banks from Iran. Boroujerdi: missile policies will not change. Changing the playing field of 'proxy wars'; war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of opponents and the possibility of radicalizing Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis.