Rouhani comments on Zarif’s audio leaks, reveals its purpose

TEHRAN, April 28 (YPA) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, for the first time, commented Wednesday on foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s audio leaks, saying they were aimed at causing confusion during talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking at a cabinet session on Wednesday, Rouhani said the “dirtiest” TV channel that is sponsored by Saudi Arabia and is working against Islam and Iran has released a confidential audio recording of Zarif in order to disrupt the Iranian society’s unity and foment division.

“The audio tape has been released by those who are against Iran, people of Iran and the interests of Iran at the exact juncture that [JCPOA negotiations in] Vienna is at the height of success, in order to create division in the country,” Rouhani added.

Rouhani explained  the release of the audio leak is aimed at destabilizing national unity at home in Iran, stressing that Tehran will deal firmly and mercilessly with those who leaked the recording.

Rouhani noted that  the lifting of sanctions is through unity and harmony, not through division and obstruction of negotiations, stressing that “Israel, the reactionary states and the United States will not achieve their goals in Iran.”

E.M