VIENNA — In a message to Washington, Iran’s foreign minister on Friday called for an end to “coercion and pressure” at the nuclear talks, suggesting that a deal acceptable to his country will open the door to cooperation on fighting the upsurge of Middle East extremism threatening both nations’ interests.
Mohammad Javad Zarif did not mention the United States by name in his video message. But with the Iran six-power talks having devolved essentially into bilateral U.S.-Iran negotiations over the past year, his comments were clearly directed at the Americans, who have been the primary drivers of the crippling economic sanctions imposed on his country over its nuclear program.
Any deal would result in an end to the sanctions. But negotiations remain bogged down ahead of the extended July 7 target date for an agreement.
The West fears Iran could develop its nuclear program to make weapons while Iran insists it is only meant to generate power and for other peaceful uses. Suggesting that Islamic terrorism is a far greater threat to the world than his country’s atomic activities, Zarif called for an end to “unjust economic sanctions” and for the West to join Iran in common cause against “the growing menace of violent extremism and outright barbarism.”
“The menace we’re facing — and I say we, because no one is spared — is embodied by the hooded men who are ravaging the cradle of civilization,” Zarif said. He called for realignment from Iran’s nuclear activities, saying it was time to “open new horizons to address important, common challenges.”
Zarif and U.S Secretary of State John Kerry have taken the lead in the negotiations. In comments echoed by Zarif ahead of their renewed meeting on Friday evening, Kerry said the talks “are making progress.” But he also spoke of “some tough issues,” telling reporters, “We have a lot of work to do.”
