Iranian FM says people would support fair nuclear deal

Foreign Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif said yesterday that the majority of Iranians would support a comprehensive nuclear deal that “respects Iran’s rights and the demands of the people”.

“That would be the only agreement that myself and President (Hassan) Rohani will agree (to),” Zarif said during a joint news conference in Tehran with his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz.

When asked whether hardliners could derail the nuclear talks, Zarif said: “Iran is not a monolith ... we will have those who will not favour an agreement, but at the end of the day what will count is the view of the majority of the Iranian people.”

Zarif also rejected as “baseless” claims that Iran’s ballistic missiles with a range of 2000km could carry nuclear warheads.

He said Iranian defence capabilities would not be discussed at the nuclear talks and reiterated that nuclear weapons contradicted Islamic teachings.

Kurz, meanwhile, said a comprehensive deal would help stabilise the region.

“One should avoid losing this opportunity, because this solution in regards with nuclear talks will lead to stability and security of the whole region ... and it will be helpful (from) the economic viewpoint for the Iranian people,” Kurz said.