Iranian FM: Only talks with world powers can resolve Tehran's nuclear issue

Mohammad Javad Zarif tells Israel Radio there is no space for threats of military action against Iran such as those made by Israel.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Iran's FM Mohammad Javad Zarif 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Iran's FM Mohammad Javad Zarif 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday told Israel Radio that his country's disputed nuclear issue could only be resolved through negotiations with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Russia, China, France, Britain and the US - plus Germany.
In a rare move by an Iranian official, Zarif spoke to an Israeli media outlet while in Paris ahead of the next round of nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 countries.
Iran's top negotiator said a possible deal on Tehran's disputed nuclear issue could be reached in the next round of talks with world powers scheduled to start on Thursday in Geneva.
The talks are aimed at ending a standoff over the nuclear program, which Western powers suspect may be aimed at developing nuclear weapons, despite Iran's denials.
Zarif also referred to Israeli warnings of military action against Iran to prevent Tehran from producing nuclear weapons, saying such threats have never succeeded and therefore there is no space for them.
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in October, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made clear that Israel would not accept a nuclear armed Iran, and would "stand alone" if necessary to achieve that aim.
"Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, even if we have to stand alone. Yet in standing alone, Israel will know that we will be defending many, many others," he said.
Earlier, in a speech at the general assembly of UN's culture, education and science (UNESCO) on Wednesday morning, Zarif reiterated his country's continued to opposition to Israel's demand that Iran removal all of its uranium from within its borders.
Reuters contributed to this report.