Rouhani tells Macron Iran "not seeking to dominate" Middle East

"Our presence in Iraq and Syria is at the request of the governments of those countries to fight terrorism," Rouhani said in a telephone call with Macron, president.ir reported.

Rouhani said "Iran does not seek to dominate" the region, but was instead working "for peace and security and to avoid the dismembering of countries".

The Iranian president also said France can play a productive role in the Middle East by taking a "realistic and impartial approach”.

Tensions between the two countries increased last week after Macron said that Tehran should be less aggressive in the region and should clarify its ballistic missile program.

Also French foreign minister had accused Tehran of "hegemonic" ambitions in the Middle East.

French ties

Rouhani told Macron that the Islamic Republic was ready to develop its relations with France on all bilateral, regional and international issues based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Rouhani referred to the "adventurism of some inexperienced princes in the region” and said France could play a positive role in easing the situation.

"We are against adventurism and creating division in the region and believe that France, by keeping an independent vote and its position in the region, can, with a realistic and impartial approach, have a productive role,” he said.

Macron – who has pledged to visit Iran in 2018 – on Friday insisted that France wants a "dialogue" with Tehran, Reuters reported.

The French president has been heavily involved in trying to defuse a crisis in Lebanon over the resignation of premier, Saad Hariri, that ramped up tensions in the region.

Faithful to JCPOA

During the phone conversation, Macron called for the expansion of bilateral ties between Tehran and Paris in all fields.

He also stressed that all parties to the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers should help protect the agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The French president also said that his government is making all-out effort to help banks and businesspeople strengthen their ties with Iran.

Macron also expressed the hope that the situations in Yemen and Syria would come to an end as soon as possible.

The French president invited his Iranian counterpart to travel to Paris next month to attend the international climate change conference.

Source:Newsnow