Iranian FM says Trump administration destabilises global peace

The US must start acting like a normal state, says Zarif

GENEVA: Iran’s foreign minister tweeted on Friday that the administration of US President Donald Trump was a threat to the Middle East and to the global community.

“It is true that there is a real threat to our region and to international peace and security: that threat is the Trump administration’s sense of entitlement to destabilize the world along with rogue accomplices in our region,” Mohammad Javad Zarif said. “The US must start acting like a normal state.”

It is true that there is a real threat to our region and to international peace and security: That threat is the Trump Administration’s sense of entitlement to destabilize the world along with rogue accomplices in our region. The US must start acting like a normal state. pic.twitter.com/GFpzlBNOZc

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) September 21, 2018

Tensions have ramped up between Iran and the United States after Trump withdrew from a landmark multi-lateral nuclear deal in May and reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic last month.

Mutual trust isn't a prerequisite for engagement or conflict resolution. Confidence evolves from implementation of agreements like JCPOA--unapologetically grounded in mutual mistrust. But engagement requires mutual respect, credibility & willingness to abide by one’s commitments.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) September 21, 2018

Separately, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Qassemi said on Friday that Iran has not requested a meeting with Trump, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).



A foreign news agency reported that Iran requested such a meeting during the United Nations General Assembly which began this week, citing US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, according to IRNA.

IRNA did not identify the foreign news agency.



Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is scheduled to address the General Assembly next week, according to Iranian state media.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never put forth a request for a meeting with Trump,” Qassemi said.