The top EU diplomat said Iran's role in regional dynamics is a reality, saying it could contribute substantially to the restoration of regional order.
"I know some of you are worried about Teheran's influence in the region. Yes, Iran is a player, in regional dynamics. This is true for both historic and geographical reasons, and you cannot change either of them," Federica Mogherini said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference of the American Jewish Committee in Washington, she said, "The real matter is what kind of influence Iran exerts. Iran can choose cooperation, or confrontation. It has to decide whether it will … act responsibly towards a more cooperative regional order."
The high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy underscored the merits of last July's nuclear pact between Iran and the six world powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany).
A Safer World
"Today the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency are monitoring Iran's nuclear program very closely. I chair regular meetings with ministers where we ensure that the deal is properly implemented."
"As long as this continues, there is no way Iran can develop an atomic weapon. And this makes the region, and the world, a safer place. This makes Israel, a safer place," she said, according to a transcript of her statement carried by the website of the EU External Action Service.
Tehran has always denied charges that it may intend to covertly develop nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear activities have been purely peaceful.
"The deal does not imply that all our disagreements with Iran have disappeared overnight. Or that they will disappear anytime soon. On the contrary, there are many things on which we know we disagree. And we will continue to monitor the full implementation of the deal," the EU foreign policy chief added.
