Switzerland – Davos, 1/17/24
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian delivered a stern message to the United States and its allies during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Speaking to journalists, Amir-Abdollahian attributed increased hostilities by Iran-backed groups in the region to the U.S. and Israel. He specifically cited the United States’ failure to recertify and subsequently withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during President Donald Trump’s administration in 2017.
Amir-Abdollahian emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue, stating, “If they talk to us, treat us respectfully, we will do the same thing. But anything unconstructive, unfriendly behaviors of the United States, we will retaliate to them.” He urged the U.S. to adopt a less hostile and more cooperative approach for the benefit of global peace and security.
While critical of the Trump administration’s decision to break the JCPOA, Amir-Abdollahian acknowledged ongoing violations during the Obama administration. He asserted that the mistake made by Trump was significant but refrained from placing all the blame on a specific administration, noting, “There is no difference between Biden, Obama, and Trump.” The Foreign Minister’s remarks highlight the complex history of the JCPOA and the need for diplomatic solutions to address current tensions.
