Hossein Mousavian says since the situation in the region is very volatile, it is neither in the interests of Iran nor the West to engage in a confrontation over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In an interview with the Shargh newspaper published on Saturday, Mousavian said if Iran and the world powers fail to secure a nuclear deal, the confrontation between the two sides would blow up the entire region and its fire would consume all Western and Eastern powers.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he said that Iran and the world powers face many serious threats, such as the emergence of extremist Takfiri groups in the Middle East, production and smuggling of illegal drugs, and instability in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the same time, he said, Iran and the West share many interests in common. Such common threats and interests can help reduce mutual mistrust between Iran and the world powers, he noted.
He went on to say that in the process of talks between Iran and the six world powers, Tehran can accept to sign the Additional Protocol to the NPT provided that it is reciprocated in terms of easing the sanctions and opening the doors for peaceful nuclear cooperation with Iran.
“Any conflict between Iran and West will be detrimental to all: ex-nuclear negotiator,” Interview with Hossein Mousavian, Shargh Newspaper [English synopsis in Tehran Times], July 5, 2014.
