Zarif: Europe Should Pay Price of Defying US on JCPOA

European powers have demonstrated a strong political will to salvage the Iran nuclear deal but should be aware that they will suffer greater losses in future if they are not willing to pay the price of defying Washington now, says Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. 
“The Europeans have delivered on pledges announced in political form, in earnest, and many did not expect them to [do so] because of their relations with the US. However, in the course of implementation, the Europeans have faced obstacles,” he told The New Arab’s Arabic-language service in a recent interview. 
"Iran is aware that European governments are still unprepared to deliver on their political pledges while incurring an economic cost at the same time," Zarif added, according to an English transcript of his comments published on Monday.  
The chief diplomat said there is a need to preserve the nuclear accord—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action—through securing its economic benefits for the Iranian people but the Europeans believe that they can safeguard the gains without having to pay any price.  
Zarif noted that this policy does not favor Europe’s long-term interests and they will have to pay a bigger price.
"Iran is in constant contact with its partners in Europe, China and Russia to find ways of overcoming US sanctions and mitigating their impact," he said in response to a question about the special financial mechanism proposed by Europe to offset the US pullout from the nuclear deal and its reimposition of sanctions on Tehran. 
Asked if Iran’s policies have complicated its relations with Europe, Zarif said the country’s regional and military policies have been more logical and realistic than western policies or those of certain countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 
On reports saying that Iranian aircraft will not be able to refuel in Lebanon and Turkey, he said, “We have many ways to ensure our flights continue to operate and we intend to use them. We have tried and tested them before, and we will use them again.”

Assassination Plot 

The foreign minister also commented on a New York Times report that Saudi Arabia had planned to assassinate senior Iranian officials, including Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani, and sabotage the Iranian economy.
“We had information about that,” Zarif said. “These Saudi policies are not new and we are aware of them. The Saudi regime wants to impose its domination. These reports invalidate all claims that alleged Iran was engaging in activities against Riyadh. It is Riyadh that supports radicalism to undermine Iran.” 
Asked if the Islamic Republic is prepared to receive a Saudi envoy, he said, “We have no problem whatsoever with restoring relations with Saudi Arabia to a normal course, but this depends on Riyadh and its decisions and conduct, which it must reconsider in order to reduce regional tensions. The policies against Iran, Syria, Iraq, Qatar and Yemen all originate in Saudi Arabia and not on our side.” 
The kingdom severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran was stormed by protesters in response to the execution of prominent Saudi Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Palestine Issue

Responding to a question about Oman hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in October, Zarif said Iran’s position on the Palestinian issue is clear.
“Oman is a neighboring country, and a good and strategic partner. But we do not interfere in its foreign relations. The same applies to Turkey and Russia. These countries have relations with Israel as well. We have communicated our point of view to friends in Muscat, but we do not impose anything on them. Neighboring countries are aware Iran does not approve of these policies, which are not in the region’s interest,” he said.
Commenting on how the Iranian issue may have figured in Omani-Israeli talks, the top diplomat said Israel most certainly wants to impose its policies and create animosity between Iran and Arab nations. 
“It will never stop trying to accomplish this. The Arab countries must take the appropriate decisions,” he said.
On the possibility of new Omani mediation between Iran and the US, Zarif said any negotiation is contingent on mutual respect. 
“This respect begins with the other side and its commitment to its pledges. At any time we see that the US fulfills this, then it will be possible to speak of negotiations,” he said.