Speaking in a meeting with a delegation from the Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution (NOREF), a think tank active in resolving international disputes, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi warned: “Iran’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its consequences for the regional and European security will not be in the interest of European governments.”

He described the US President Donald Trump’s policies toward Europe dangerous, saying: “Attempts to cause a rift between western and eastern Europe and policies such as support for Brexit and ultra-nationalism in Europe are among the risks the United States has created for Europe.”

The SCFR president stressed that this trend should be halted, and if the Europeans do not stand up to American pressure at this stage, they will face much more problems in the future.

Dr Kharrazi said: “If Europe fails to stand up (against the US) their policies will be hostage to the United States, one example of which is the JCPOA.”

He said: “Iran expected the European Union to take action as a party to the Nuclear Agreement but they have failed to take action under the US pressures. “This has left a negative impact on the Iranians who have fully complied with the deal.”

The SCFR president stated: “Over the last four decades after the Islamic Revolution the Iranian nation has not submitted to American pressures and they will continue the same course and will not retreat before Trump’s policies. As long as the White House’s policies towards the Islamic Republic do not change they cannot expect changes in Iranian policies.”

Dr Kharrazi, referring to a US plan to hold an anti-Iranian conference in Poland, described the move as another apparent manifestation of hostility towards Iran. “By holding this political propaganda show centred on Iranophobia, the national interests of Poland will become hostage to the United States and this blackmail by Warsaw is an insult to the identity of Europe and its peoples.”

Referring to the regional policies of Iran for the sake of stability, he drew a comparison between the policies of Saudi Arabia and Iran in confronting ISIS and Iran’s role in defeating terrorism in Iraq and Syria. He said: “It’s so weird that instead of putting pressure on Saudi Arabia and others who created that turmoil, they have targeted Iran that fought the terrorists to maintain stability in the region.”

At the meeting, Dr Henrik Thune, the director of NOREF outlined the programs of the think tank and noted: “European nations have a great deal of respect for Iranian culture and civilization.”

Referring to heavy pressure on European companies from the United States, he said, “The internal problems of European countries have had a negative impact on the policies of European governments and the adoption of proper policies.”

SCFR President receives NOREF delegation