TEHRAN -- President Ebrahim Raisi told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday that the U.S. government’s adherence to its predecessor’s failed policies is the main obstacle to the acceptable progress of Vienna negotiations.
Raisi touched on the magnificent and peaceful civilizations of Iran and Japan and their capacities for cooperation, saying they can take big steps towards strengthening bilateral relations.

He said regardless of the results of the ongoing talks in Vienna, Iran is ready to increase its relations with other states, including Japan, in the interests of both nations.
Tehran and Tokyo, he said, can play an effective role in promoting peace and stability in the region and the world by strengthening their cooperation.
The president cited foreign intervention as the major cause of insecurity in the region and stressed the significance of resolving the Yemeni crisis through dialogue among its warring parties.
He said breaking the oppressive siege on Yemen is urgent to prevent heinous crimes being committed by the Saudi-led coalition against the defenseless Yemeni people.
Fumio Kishida, for his part, offered congratulations on the anniversary of the the Islamic Revolution, saying previously as the foreign minister and chairman of the Iran-Japan Friendship Group, and now as the prime minister, he has always sought to develop relations and activate joint cooperation capacities between the two countries.