Trump had 4 years for diplomacy with Iran, but opted to make worst mistakes: Govt. spox

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 11 August 2020 10:07 AM

Tehran says US President Donald Trump had four years' time during his tenure to initiate diplomacy with Iran, but he failed to grasp the opportunity and instead directed the White House to make "the worst of mistakes" in dealing with the Islamic Republic.

Ali Rabiei, the spokesman of Iran's administration, made the remarks on Tuesday in response to Trump, who recently told his supporters at a campaign fundraiser that he would reach a deal with Iran "within four weeks" if he is re-elected in November's election.

The Iranian official dismissed Trump's claims as a mere ploy to draw more votes, adding that the US president, if re-elected, "will not succeed in striking an agreement as long as he continues the policy of pressure against Iran."

"Mr. Trump had four years' time to start successful diplomacy with Iran by choosing the right, agreed and legal path. Not only he failed to do so, but he also made the worst mistakes of America in decades," Rabiei told reporters.

Washington's Iran policy took a highly belligerent turn under Trump, who has overseen a campaign of "maximum" economic pressure accompanied by military provocations.

The US unleashed the "toughest ever" sanctions against Iran in 2018, when the Trump administration scrapped the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Trump also pushed Tehran and Washington to the brink of an all-out war by ordering the assassination of Iran's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani during an official visit to Iraq in January.

Rabiei further said Iran stands ready to keep up "maximum resistance" for as long as necessary if the US refuses to stop its hostilities.

The Iranian government spokesman was also asked about the recent US push to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran that is due to expire on October 18. The lifting of the ban is part of the JCPOA, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Rabiei warned that the US is exploiting the UNSC mechanism to undermine multilateralism and international institutions.

He voiced Iran's readiness to "deliver a proportionate and decisive response to any provocative and illegal action. Any resolution in violation of UNSC Resolution 2231 is unacceptable and is a mockery of international law," he said.

The spokesman further emphasized that Washington had forfeited its right to have a say in the JCPOA.

"The US has withdrawn from the JCPOA and has no right either to the text of the agreement or the UNSC Resolution until it fully returns to it (the deal) and fulfills all its obligations," he pointed out.

"The US regime is well aware that this destructive, law-breaking and malicious attempt will turn into another catastrophic and isolating failure," the official warned.