TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) – Taha Hashemi, the managing director of the Tehran daily Entekhab, told the Mehr News Agency that since the United States did not expect Iran to agree to sign the additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the U.S. became isolated after Iran’s decision to sign it.

He added that many people inside and outside the country have been led to believe that the policies of the U.S. government are threatening world peace. Hashemi said, “Although the discussions in Tehran turned out to be a success for the European Union, the Zionists tried to put pressure on Iran and even on other participating countries, and also tried to use Mr. ElBaradei’s reports on Iran’s nuclear program as leverage to pursue their intentions.”

He went on to say that he believes that even the Reuters reports on unfavorable comments about Iran are a result of pressure from the U.S. government. He added, “Although we should have determined our position on this matter much sooner, Dr. Rowhani’s trip (to Vienna) is believed to have been productive in explaining Iran’s outlook. We hope that it will reduce the pressure on Iran.” Hashemi said, “Because Iran fulfilled its obligations at the meeting in Tehran, it is now Europe’s turn to prove its good intentions.”

He added that a difficult task lies ahead of Rowhani because he must now ensure that Iran’s partners remain steadfast in their commitments toward Iran and are not affected by pressure from the U.S. government.