New Delhi, Feb 6 (.) Iran is engaged in a fresh round of negotiations with the United States and remains a strong and influential regional power despite decades of sanctions, Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said on Friday, underscoring Tehran’s focus on diplomacy, technological progress and closer cooperation with India.
Speaking at a press conference, Fathali said Iran had demonstrated resilience and scientific advancement even under sustained external pressure.
“Despite all the pressures imposed by our adversaries, Iran remained a strong and influential country in the region,” the Ambassador said, highlighting the progress and development the country has achieved in the last over a decade. “We have made significant progress in advanced technologies, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, stem cell science, information technology, artificial intelligence and other knowledge-based industries.”
He added that Iran continues to rank among the region’s leading countries in scientific output “even under the heaviest sanctions.”
On negotiations between Iranian and US officials in Muscat, Fathali confirmed that discussions were ongoing.
“We have started the second round of negotiations and are now waiting for the results,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Chabahar port, the Ambassador said it could play a crucial role in regional connectivity.
“The port of Chabahar can play a very important role in providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he said. “We have good relations with several countries, particularly India, and we believe these ties should be further strengthened.”
On the possibility of an Iranian presidential visit to India for the BRICS summit, he described it as a, “good opportunity for boosting ties.”
Addressing questions on Iran’s internal situation, the Ambassador said conditions in the country were stable.
“The situation is now very normal,” he said, adding that Iran had evidence that “some elements were instructed by foreign forces,” but stressed that calm had since been restored.
The Ambassador reiterated Tehran’s long-standing position on sanctions. “We are facing many sanctions, but over the past four decades we have managed to overcome them,” he said.
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