Iran offers to cooperate with Egypt on nuclear project
Ali Larijani, top aide to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, says his country is ready to cooperate with Egypt on nuclear issues if Cairo asks for help; says assistance would be given only with approval of International Atomic Energy Agency
Ali Larijani made the remarks at a press conference in Cairo.
Larijani said that the offer to extend assistance on nuclear affairs to Israel's southern neighbor would be coordinated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Khamenei aide added that Iran was ready to act with Egypt and other Arab states to achieve regional security and stability in the Arab world, especially in Iraq and Lebanon.
According to Larijani, Egypt and Iran have an important role in fostering peace and security in the Middle East because the two countries are strong and have special status in the Islamic world.
"The relations between Egypt and Iran are more than just relations of brotherhood and mutual interests," Larijani said. "These relations stem from a warm, strong and historical connection."
He added that it was up to Iran to join forces with the Arab world to stand up to the shared dangers and challenges faced by all Muslims.
Larijani explained that his country was working to restore relations with Arab states.
He also discussed the controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear project saying that the United States had no excuse to continue to push the issue at the UN Security Council.
"America and the West must accept the fact that Iran has acquired nuclear technology. They must take a reasonable position on the matter."
