TEHRAN – Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki has predicted the “collapse of the U.S. hegemony”, saying “a new global power is emerging”.

“Today, the U.S. hegemony in the region is collapsing…because it has failed to respond to the public opinion about its policies and it lacks reason,” Mottaki told a visiting delegation of French lawmakers on Sunday.
“The truth is that today a new power is emerging which is the power of proposing new and logical ideas.”
The top diplomat said, “Those who have brought extremism to the region are trying to pursue their scenario which is doomed to failure.”
Turning to Iran-France relations, Mottaki said these ties are based on “mutual understanding and common interests.”
French lawmaker Jean-Louis Bianco, who heads the delegation, said Iran is playing a key role in the region and the world.
Bianco praised Iran for its efforts to help resolve regional crises and to establish peace and security in the Middle East.
Pointing to Tehran’s nuclear standoff with the West, the French lawmaker expressed support for Iran’s efforts to access civilian nuclear technology.
He said Iran, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, has the right to develop peaceful nuclear technology.
The MP called for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute between Iran and the West.
“We believe continuing negotiations is the only way to reach a consensus about this issue,” Bianco stressed.