TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry ruled out any connection between the JCPOA revival talks and Europe’s energy crisis following the war in Ukraine, but reminded the Europeans that Iran is capable of satisfying part of the global demand.
In comments at a press conference on Monday, Nasser Kanaani pointed to the problems that European countries are grappling with as a war has broken out in their continent.
Iran does not welcome the war in Ukraine and is distressed by the conflict, he noted.
The spokesman explained that the European governments’ severe energy troubles have nothing to do with the negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Commenting on whether or not the EU’s energy problems affect the JCPOA talks, Kanaani said, “Iran is an exporter of energy and oil. Iran can definitely satisfy the demands of a part of the world.”
Asked about the reports on the delivery of Iranian arms to Russia, the spokesman said, “Our stance is crystal clear and has already been declared. We are not a party in the Ukraine war. Our relations are maintained with both Russia and Ukraine and are going on within the framework of mutual cooperation.”
In a meeting with a Polish diplomat on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian emphasized that Iran has not sent arms to either of the parties involved in the Ukraine war, reiterating Tehran’s support for plans to end the conflict.
Europe is facing a deepening energy crisis as it prepares for a cold winter. Gas prices have reached record highs, and supplies are running low, stoking fears.
One of the main causes is related to the Ukraine war. Russia has suspended the supplies of the natural gas that the continent used for years to run factories, generate electricity and heat homes.
Russia supplied about 40 percent of the European Union’s gas consumption by pipeline, and those exports have been cut by 75 percent.
The country still sends gas through Ukraine and also via Turkey and the Black Sea through the TurkStream pipeline, but the prospect of a complete halt arrived earlier than many expected.
