Iran deal can speed solutions in Syria, Yemen: Rouhani

Tehran, Aug 2: Iran's president said today his country's nuclear deal with the West would create better prospects for faster solutions in Syria and Yemen, two of the Middle East's worst conflict zones.

In a live appearance on state television, Hassan Rouhani said the July 14 agreement had shown diplomacy and engagement were the only way to solve serious political problems and end crises. "The final solution in Yemen is political, in Syria the final solution is political," he said.

"The agreement will create a new atmosphere. The climate will be easier." The near two years of talks between Iran and six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany -- was a "Herculean task" but was worth it, Rouhani argued.

"I was never despondent," he said of the talks which seemed to be faltering at numerous stages, with negotiators at loggerheads over the terms of the deal. "Not for a single second did I doubt our success," he said, noting that "interaction" had triumphed over possible confrontation and surrender, neither of which "held much water" as options.

Under the agreement, Iran will curb some but not all aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of international sanctions that have pulverised its economy in recent years.

But Iran remains at odds with the West over Syria and Yemen. Tehran backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has sent money and military advisers to aid his fight against Sunni rebels seeking to topple his regime.

AFP