After the US ended sanction waivers for all importers of Iranian oil, Iran has now announced that it will partially withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that Washington pulled out of last year. Iran’s ambassador to India, Ali Chegeni, spoke with Rudroneel Ghosh about implications of the US moves and Iran’s response:

What are your first thoughts on the US ending sanction waivers for eight importers of Iranian oil?

US violates the UN Security Council resolutions and threatens other countries to follow. This policy in the Middle East has led to both regional and global instability. It is clear that Trump administration is following ‘Israel first’ policy.

US sanctions on Iran’s oil industry are harming global market stability. This idea that some countries can fill the empty place of Iran’s oil in the market is false from technical and political viewpoints. In addition, the unilateral sanctions against the independence and sovereignty of countries will push the world towards more uncertainty and conflict.

Is Iran prepared to meet the sanctions crunch?

Iran is a country that has been able to survive despite pressure, despite war, despite sanctions. We have been able to make progress, to make scientific achievements. The different American sanctions imposed on Iran over the last 40 years are considered a type of silent war against the Iranian people, and it is an inhumane and brutal act against people who are looking to control their own destiny. But Iran, based on its previous experiences and empowered by its culture of resistance, has successfully managed to withstand the US pressure. There is no doubt that a country which was able to manage its war economy with oil prices as low as $6 a barrel in 1980s will be able to manage its economy today when oil prices are much stronger.

Iranians are very proud of their culture, history and civilisation. In the words of a prominent American scholar, Iran is a country which is like a palm tree; when under pressure and wind from the sides, it might bend to the left or right, but it never breaks.

The US has accused Iran of destabilising the Middle East. What’s your reaction to Washington’s accusations regarding Iran’s ballistic missile programme and involvement with militias?

Iranians, based on their philosophy of life, are not offensive but they have been very good defenders. The effects of the eight-year imposed war (1980-88) waged against Iran by Saddam Hussein should be taken into consideration which created a culture of resistance and a certain school on national security and defence. Moreover, it should not be forgotten that Iran became a victim of weapons of mass destruction during that war. Due to this tragic experience, our doctrine is defensive and our capabilities are conventional.

Today, we have had a consistent policy of supporting those who are fighting against terrorists and extremists. We have sent advisers upon the request of legitimate and sovereign countries which are fighting against terrorism.

Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. Do you think it will come to that?

It is in our vital national security interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Iran is protecting its interests and stability in the region. We will continue to sell our oil and will continue to use the Strait of Hormuz as a safe transit passage for our regional interest.

How is the EU’s INSTEX trade mechanism to bypass US sanctions working?

INSTEX, in its first phase, will facilitate trade of humanitarian goods such as medicine, food and medical devices, but it will later be expanded to cover other areas of trade, including Iran’s oil sales. An Iranian structure parallel to INSTEX, called the Special Trade and Finance Institute, was launched recently. Now we have said to our European partners that they have no excuse for further postponement of the project.

Are Iran and India working on measures to mitigate the impact of sanctions? Have you got any assurances from New Delhi?

India’s economic interests in Iran centre on energy and connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe. India’s growing economy benefits from access to Iran’s surplus hydrocarbon reserves and opportunities for investment in upstream oil and gas exploration. Iran always has been a reliable source of energy for India.

Our relationship is multi-dimensional and will not be limited to oil. Both countries have always been friends and engaged with each other especially during tough times. We are sure that the Indian authorities will manage to do so in line with their own national interest considering the friendly relations with Iran.

Is ending the nuclear deal still on the table for Iran?

I do believe that the US has taken unilateral and coercive actions in flagrant breach of all recognised international norms and principles. These have brought a great amount of insecurity to the global economy. Iran has never left the negotiating table and it is Washington which should remedy its mistake of withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. They need to reassess their policies and return to a normal behaviour in the international scene.