Iran watching US policies in Afghanistan
JAPAN: Iran is monitoring US foreign policy in countries such as
Afghanistan to see if improved ties under President Barack Obama might
be possible, its foreign minister told Japanese media.
Manouchehr Mottaki said Iran welcomed Obama's emphasis on dialogue
but added that his government would need more detail on US intentions
abroad before reviewing Tehran's relationship with Washington.
"Now we are studying what (are) the practical policies of the United
States, towards Afghanistan, for example," Iranian Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki said in an interview with Japan's public broadcaster
NHK, aired on Saturday.
"What (are) they going to do? Is it a military-based approach?" asked
Mottaki, who was in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum.
Mottaki said Iran would negotiate on its nuclear programme under the
correct circumstances, NHK reported, without showing the relevant
footage.
The comments come after White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said on
Thursday Obama preferred to use diplomacy in dealings with Iran and its
controversial nuclear programme but kept "all his options" open.
Asked if the military option was still on the table, Gibbs said: "The
president hasn't changed his viewpoint that he should preserve all his
options."
In an interview on Monday with Al-Arabiya television, Obama said: "It
is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of
US power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran."
Tokyo, Tuwesday, AFP
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