ZCZC
BFF-51
IRAN-OIL-DIPLOMACY
US plan to end Iranian oil exports ‘a fantasy’: Rouhani
GENEVA, July 3, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A plan by the United States to cut Iran’s
oil production to zero is a “fantasy,” Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said
Tuesday during his European tour to rally support for the 2015 nuclear deal.
Washington has said it wants to pressure Iran to change its behaviour by
taking away all revenue Tehran generates from crude sales, part of the
confrontational approach adopted by President Donald Trump, who pulled out of
the historic nuclear pact in May.
“These are exaggerated statements that can never be implemented,” Rouhani
told reporters in Bern, after holding talks with Swiss authorities on a range
of issues, including the nuclear deal.
“Such a scenario would mean the US was imposing its imperialist policy in
flagrant violation of international law,” he said.
“This is really a baseless fantasy,” he added, condemning an “unjust”
scenario where all oil producers are allowed to export crude except Iran.
Washington has said it is confident the world has enough spare oil capacity
to replace Iranian crude, and Trump has said that he has persuaded Saudi
Arabia to balance the market by boosting its own production.
The international community still overwhelmingly backs the nuclear deal
which opened new opportunities to deepen economic relations with Iran.
But many believe nations will have to sever ties once Washington reimposes
sanctions, to avoid losing access to US markets and financing.
Rouhani and Swiss President Alain Berset both underscored the importance of
the nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,
substantial parts of which were negotiated in Switzerland.
The deal was signed in Vienna, where Rouhani will hold further talks on
Wednesday.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1809 hrs