Zarif: The JCPOA Provided an Opportunity to Break Down the Wall of Distrust Between Iran and the U.S.

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated that the nuclear agreement with world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has created an opportunity to dismantle the 'wall of distrust' between Tehran and Washington, but moving in this direction is not solely Iran's responsibility. Iran and the members of the 1+5 group, particularly the U.S., reached an agreement on July 14 in Vienna regarding a plan to end the country's nuclear dispute. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency also confirmed that Iran has fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA, after which the U.S., the European Union, and other countries lifted nuclear sanctions against Tehran. According to the Associated Press, Zarif emphasized on Friday, February 11, at the Munich Security Conference that the nuclear agreement provided an opportunity for both sides to at least break down the wall of distrust that has separated Iran and the U.S. for 40 years. He added that Iran has fulfilled its part in implementing the nuclear agreement and it is now America's turn to demonstrate its 'goodwill.' Diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S. were severed following the attack by Imam Khomeini's followers on the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979. Zarif also mentioned that Iran and Saudi Arabia must resolve their issues and cooperate to establish stability in Syria. According to Reuters, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated, 'We must cooperate with each other.' Zarif noted that Iran and Saudi Arabia cannot eliminate each other from the region. He added, 'We are ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia, and I believe that Saudi Arabia and Iran can have common interests in Syria.' Iran has differences with Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries over the Syrian crisis, as Tehran considers itself an ally of Bashar al-Assad's government and defends it, while Riyadh calls for Assad's resignation. Tensions between Tehran and Riyadh have escalated in recent months. Following the execution of Sheikh Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, several people in Tehran and Mashhad attacked the Saudi embassy and consulate. In response to this action, Riyadh severed its relations with Tehran.