Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, in an interview with Qatari Al Jazeera TV, explained Iran’s approaches to regional and international issues as well as Iran’s nuclear negotiations, stating that there are serious questions in Iran regarding the signing of the JCPOA because it does not seem that with the signing of the JCPOA, a significant economic achievement will occur in favor of Iran.

In the interview after the participation of US President Joe Biden in the Jeddah Summit, he said: The Jeddah Summit statement was ineffective like other repetitive statements.

In response to a question that Biden had talked about military options during his visit to occupied Palestine, the SCFR President said: These are not new words and the Americans and Israelis have said that many times; however, the realities of the region dictate something else: the realities of the region are that the Resistance forces have besieged Israel.

Dr. Kharrazi said the Jeddah Summit had no important achievements, except some increase in oil production. He added: There were differences among the countries participating in the Meeting; also, the Sultan of Oman and the Emir of Kuwait did not participate in it. Moreover, during Mr. Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia, the issue of human rights was also trampled.

He described “Arab NATO” as an unmatured idea that is not supported even by the Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia. He stated that “there is no objective basis for the formation of such a military union. There may be some level of coordination between certain Arab governments and the Zionist regime, but even this is the result of Israel’s desperation.”

Dr. Kharrazi emphasized: In case of direct action against Iran, naturally Iran has the right to take direct action against those countries and against Israel.

The SCFR President in response to a question that “the public opinion of the region has come to the perception that Israel has taken actions against Iran, even inside the country, and whether Iran does not intend to show any reaction in this respect,” said: These movements, for which Israel has not directly claimed responsibility are terrorist actions. The fact that everyone believes Israel is doing these actions is because Israel is a terrorist entity.

Dr. Kharrazi also responded to a question about the numerous military exercises of the Zionist regime whose announced purpose is to act against Iran; and referring to the military drills Iran has held on various occasions to demonstrate its capabilities against Israel, he said: If Israel takes direct action against Iran and claims responsibility, we will not hesitate to defend ourselves and will respond directly in full force.

Regarding the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the SCFR President welcomed recent remarks by Riyadh officials to extend a hand of friendship to Iran. He said Tehran is ready to enter into dialogue with Saudi Arabia to restore normal relations.

“We are ready to talk with them. Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two powers of this region, and solving the issues between them and establishing diplomatic relations can be considered an important development in the region. If Saudi Arabia really intends to normalize relations with Iran, it will be in the interest of the entire region.”

On Iran-UAE relations and the return of the UAE ambassador to Iran, Dr. Kharrazi said: We welcome the return of the UAE ambassador. The UAE is a country that cares more about the economy. It is a big mistake on the part of the Emiratis to think that they can stand up to Iran with Israel coming to the UAE and normalizing relations with them. This is a historical mistake; because they know that if the Israelis want to take action against us from the UAE, it is just a glass palace and our response will be very practical, and clear.

On the negotiations to revive the JCPOA, the SCFR President said: In Iran, more and more people are concerned as to what benefits are we going to gain from the JCPOA? Will the signing of the agreement lead to a major change in Iran’s economic relations with Western countries? This does not seem to be the case!

Dr. Kharrazi added: “Mr. Biden’s situation is not good in America, and the Republicans will probably come to power. If this happens, there is a possibility that Washington will withdraw from the JCPOA again.”

He added: We are in no hurry! If the Americans return to the JCPOA and lift the sanctions they imposed after abandoning the agreement, we will fulfill our obligations again and return to the original status. Guaranteeing implementation of the JCPOA is a very important matter; what will guarantee that these agreements will continue if the Americans and Iran return to the JCPOA? There is no guarantee and the Americans say that they cannot give guarantees on behalf of the future administration.

Regarding Iran’s red lines in the negotiations to revive the JCPOA, the SCFR President said: Iran is a reality today and has capabilities.

Regarding the fact that they are talking about Iran’s nuclear threshold, it should be noted that the IRI is on the threshold and it is no secret. Iran has the know-how and capacity to build a nuclear bomb, but it doesn’t have an intention to that effect.

He added: We have now completed 60 percent enrichment, which was not more difficult than reaching 20 percent enrichment, we completed 20 to 60 percent enrichment within two to three days. As easy as turning a switch on, we will reach an enrichment of more than 90 percent. This is not difficult. We consider the expediency of the Middle East to be free from weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and this has been Iran’s policy for years, and Egypt has supported it in order to remove any nuclear weapons from this region, including Israeli weapons. We consider it essential to destroy the nuclear weapons in this region.

He also pointed to America’s announced plan to reduce its presence in West Asia and said: America imagines that Israel can replace the United States in the region and play its role. But this is a very big mistake. Israel is already facing huge problems. The reduction of American presence in the region has naturally created concerns for countries dependent on Washington. In this atmosphere of Iranophobia, America has tried to bring them closer to Israel in order to preserve itself, but this policy is wrong.

The SCFR President stated: Iran believes that dialogue is the only solution to regional issues and welcomes the formation of a forum of regional countries to reach a solution through dialogue and create a new security mechanism in the region. Of course, this should be done without the presence of foreigners. We fully welcome this issue and consider it a great regional awakening.

In response to America’s request for Iran to reduce its influence in the region and revise its missile program in return for reducing the sanctions, Dr. Kharrazi said: That means they disarm us and then become friends with us? What kind of friendship is this?! We witnessed what they did to Gaddafi. We are strong and they fear our strength. They say give us your weapons and then we will be friends; that is not wise and not even a child would accept that.