Zarif has ‘no concern’ about N-deal

  TEHRAN — Iran's foreign minister moved Tuesday to dismiss speculation that his country's nuclear deal with major powers could hit difficulties, saying he had "no concern or worry" about its implementation. Mohammad Javad Zarif's remarks came during a news conference with visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, as they seek to ensure that the agreement swiftly takes effect. Mogherini was intricately involved in the long-running diplomacy that culminated in a July 14 accord between Iran and six world powers. Her trip came as US Secretary of State John Kerry insisted to lawmakers in Washington — who have effectively accused him of being duped by Iran — that the agreement was the best deal achievable. The past week in Iran, meanwhile, has seen hardline elements, including the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards force and some MPs, raise concerns about the agreement's terms. Asked about accusations in some conservative Iranian media that the agreement breaks supreme leader Ali Khamenei's "red lines", Zarif moved to allay such claims. "Iran has stuck to its obligations and Iran is going to do the same when it comes to implementing the deal," he said, following talks with Mogherini about measures that are needed. He acknowledged that "some people in Iran have some doubts about some countries, particularly the US, to implement seriously and precisely". But he added: "I have no concern or worry that the deal will be implemented. I know very well that it is going to be implemented." Zarif gave a timeline of "60 to 70 days" for the deal to be settled. "Iran will continue to cooperate with the IAEA," he said, referring to the UN nuclear watchdog. "I hope the EU and United States will continue to implement their commitments." Under the deal, Iran must take measures at its nuclear facilities to satisfy UN monitors of their peaceful nature. Iran has always denied seeking an atomic bomb. In return, the world powers must finalize the mechanism for lifting UN and Western sanctions. The deal has been broadly welcomed in Tehran, with officials lining up to back the government for securing relief from sanctions in exchange for curbs on some but not all of its nuclear activities. Mogherini also met President Hassan Rohani Tuesday. "The same way that efforts were taken for reaching agreement, (we) should concentrate on its accurate and complete implementation so that our nations and all the world enjoy its benefits," Rohani said. As the agreement goes under a potentially bruising review in the US Congress, President Barack Obama has defended it as the best way to avoid nuclear proliferation and another conflict in the Middle East. — AFP