Iran News Round Up

European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Helga Schmid said that “as Europeans, we will do everything to make sure [the nuclear deal] stays,” during the Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich, Switzerland. Schmid stressed that the EU and the U.S.’s shared concerns over Iran’s role in regional affairs fall outside of the purview of the JCPOA. British Ambassador to Iran Nicholas Hopton also expressed his approval with the JCPOA during the same conference. Hopton urged President Trump to recertify Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal. Hopton also conveyed his hope that the U.S. “will continue to play a constructive and important role in the implementation of the JCPOA.” Schmid and Hopton are the latest senior European diplomats to speak up about preserving the nuclear deal amidst international concerns over the prospect of U.S. withdrawal from the agreement. EU, British, French, and German ambassadors voiced their support for the JCPOA on September 27 at an Atlantic Council conference in Washington, DC. (Reuters) (E) (Press TV) (E)

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited Doha, Qatar to discuss the expansion of Iran-Qatar political and economic relations with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al Thani. Zarif stressed Iran’s readiness to develop long-term economic cooperation with Qatar. Zarif traveled to Oman to meet with Sultan Qaboos and the Omani Foreign Minister on October 3. (Fars News Agency) (Press TV) (E) (Mehr News Agency) (E)

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his condolences to both the country of Iraq and the family of late Iraqi President and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) founder Jalal Talabani following his passing in Berlin on October 3. Talabani was an ardent supporter of a sovereign Kurdish state, but promoted unity in Iraq during his tenure as president. (Tasnim News Agency) (IRNA) (E) (New York Times) (E)

• Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Ali Motahari also expressed his condolences on Talabani’s death. Motahari described Talabani as a moderate politician. Motahari also stated that Talabani would have “certainly been against the Iraqi Kurdistan referendum.” The Deputy Speaker also stated that the “attraction of Kurds to [Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud] Barzani in the absence of [Talabani] is not a good thing.” (Alef)
• President Hassan Rouhani praised Talabani’s efforts in strengthening relations amongst Iraq’s various tribes and ethnic groups. Rouhani expressed hope that Iraqis would continue Talabani’s “moderate and popular policies.” First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri commended Talabani for his valued efforts in developing Iran-Iraq relations.  (President.ir) (ILNA)