Iran Foreign Minister Zarif vows efforts to prevent war

September 24, 2019

New York--Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif vowed to continue efforts for preventing a war, at a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, in New York on Monday.

Zarif made the remark in response to Motegi's request for Tehran to work on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.

At the outset of the meeting, Motegi said he is seriously concerned about the situation, referring to the U.S.-Iran standoff over attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Washington claims that Tehran was behind the attacks. Motegi added that Japan wants to cooperate closely with Iran to stabilize the situation.

Zarif expressed his country's gratitude for the diplomatic efforts Japan has been making to help ease the tensions.

Motegi voiced concern over Iran suspending the implementation of its commitment to limit nuclear development under the historic 2015 deal it signed with six world powers including the United States. He said Japan wants Iran to refrain from action that could undermine the nuclear deal.

This was the first meeting between Motegi and Zarif. Motegi assumed the foreign portfolio in a cabinet reshuffle on Sept. 11.

Their talks preceded a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, slated for Tuesday in New York. Jiji Press