“We know they (Riyadh) have made many mistakes in Yemen, Bahrain, Iraq and Syria, but we are still for dialogue,” Kharrazi said in interview with FRANCE 24.

Asked about new US sanctions levied on Iranian individuals and entities this week, the former foreign minister said the moves were “violations” of the 2015 nuclear agreement in both the letter and the “spirit” of the deal. But he emphasized that Tehran remained committed to the accord and would only walk away if the US administration withdrew first.

Kharrazi said Iran has always struggled with terrorism but is resolute in countering the threat. A double attack in Tehran on June 7 claimed by ISIL terrorist group left 17 people dead. “Iran has always been vulnerable … but it’s been stable enough to fight terrorists,” Kharrazi said. 

“One of the reasons that we rushed to the help of the Syrian government, and the Iraqi government, was concern about our own security, because they are very close to our borders.”

Regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent reversal on Syria, in which he said the removal of President Bashar al-Assad was no longer a requirement, Kharrazi said Iran welcomed the shift. “We appreciate the position of President Macron,” he said, adding “It’s more realistic.”

Of Iran’s human rights record, Kharrazi said evidence in espionage cases would be made public if the suspect is found guilty.

Kharrazi is in Paris to take part in a conference entitled “Iran, Island of Security in High Tension Region of Middle East” at the international academy of science in the French capital.