Rouhani: Iran firmly respond to any aggressor

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that ongoing tensions in the region are rooted in the US economic war on the Iranian nation and when the war stops, positive events will start to emerge in the region and world.

In a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, the Iranian president said that Iran and Japan have long-standing ties and this year marks 90th anniversary of the two countries’ relations. “Over the past years, I had constructive talks with Japanese Prime Minister and today’s is the eighth round of our constructive negotiations,” President Rouhani said, noting that Iran welcomes Japanese government and the Prime Minister’s decision to broaden political, economic, regional and international relations, reported Iran Press.

The Iranian president also hailed Japan’s interest to buy oil from Iran and settle financial and cultural issues. “We have never started a war against any country, but we will firmly respond to any aggressor,” he said.

President Rouhani further noted that he discussed regional security and détente during the meeting with Shinzo. “We are happy that both sides attach high significance to security and stability,” the president said. “We are also happy to see Japan’s backing to the JCPOA and publicizing its significance to the region and world,” he said.

Iran is interested to continue staying in the JCPOA, as it will do its upcoming measures within the deal, he said. “We are keen on mutual cooperation on peaceful nuclear energy,” he said, hoping that the trip will mark broadening of ties and positive developments in the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo arrived in Tehran on Wednesday afternoon to begin a historic trip to the Middle Eastern country. He becomes the first Japanese head of state to visit Iran in the past four decades.

Prime Minister Shinzo is set to hold talks with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

END