Zarif's Response to Kerry: Iran's Actions in the Region 'Are Not Related to the Agreement'

Iran's Foreign Minister reacted to recent statements by the U.S. Secretary of State, stating that the provisions of the new UN Security Council resolution regarding Iran are not considered as part of the Vienna nuclear agreement and have no relevance in this agreement. According to the state news agency IRNA, Mohammad Javad Zarif emphasized on Friday, August 2, that the actions of the Islamic Republic in the region and Iran's support for its 'regional allies' in the fight against ISIS have 'no connection' to the nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, mentioned on Friday at the Council on Foreign Relations that if Iran violates its commitments, the P5+1 countries can request a vote from the UN Security Council to restore sanctions. However, Zarif responded that Kerry has 'confused' the commitments of the Iran-P5+1 nuclear agreement with the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2231. Zarif added, 'It is clearly stated in the text of the JCPOA that the provisions of the resolution are not considered as provisions of the JCPOA, and therefore, the provisions of the resolution have no relevance in the Iran-P5+1 agreement.' The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2231 on Monday, July 29, six days after the official announcement of the agreement in Vienna, confirming the nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers. According to this resolution, in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, Iran will limit the scope of its nuclear program. This resolution also allows for the UN sanctions to be reinstated if Iran violates the commitments of the final agreement over the next ten years. Nevertheless, Zarif stated on Tuesday, July 30, in the Iranian Parliament that UN sanctions will not be reinstated under any circumstances and that the new Security Council resolution (regarding the Vienna agreement) has no punitive mechanism. Kerry also stated that Hassan Rouhani and Mohammad Javad Zarif have 'clearly indicated' that they are ready to negotiate on regional issues in light of the nuclear agreement. However, Zarif emphasized that the regional actions of the Islamic Republic and Iran's support for its 'regional allies' in the fight against ISIS have 'no connection' to the Vienna nuclear agreement. He pointed out the Islamic Republic's policy regarding regional issues and relations with the U.S., as well as the statements of the Supreme Leader, emphasizing that 'attempts to sow discord among the officials of the Islamic Republic are doomed to failure.' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, stated on Saturday, July 27, that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate with the U.S. on various global, bilateral, and regional issues. Three days later, Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Supreme Leader, emphasized that Iran's regional policies will not only remain unchanged after the comprehensive nuclear agreement with global powers but will also be strengthened. On Friday, the Iranian Foreign Minister also stressed that it would be better for Americans to forget their 'long-standing habit' and 'set aside the language of threats and sanctions... once and for all.' Kerry had mentioned that military options were the only alternative to the nuclear agreement with Iran.