Afghanistan calls for exemption from US sanctions against Iran

TEHRAN(Defapress)-The demand has been made regarding US military forces and its Western allies’ presence in Afghanistan and the level of political and economic relations with Iran.

Before the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) US exempted Afghanistan from anti-Iran sanctions, he said, adding that the Afghan government has called for being exempted again.

Because the United States is a strategic ally of Kabul and is committed to help with development of Afghanistan, it will take into consideration the country's economic and political interests in its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, he reiterated.

He referred to the presence of millions of Afghan refugees in Iran, saying good relations between the two countries should not be weakened.

Responding to a question whether their request includes Afghanistan's activities in Chabahar Port, he said undoubtedly Chabahar will be included.

On May 8, US President Donald Trump withdrew his country from the JCPOA under pretext of Iran's non-commitment to the deal and its alleged support for terrorism. He also vowed to reinstate sanctions on Iran.

Russia, China and other members of the G5+1 while criticizing the US exit announced they would remain in the deal. Iran has set a deadline for Europe to find suitable ways to save the deal.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that the question of Iran staying in the JCPOA depends on the measures to be taken by European countries, Russia and China.

'We are waiting to see whether the remaining parties to the deal including the European states, Russia and China will be able to make up for US exit from the deal and ensure Iran's benefits from the JCPOA,' he added.

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