TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has criticized the UN Security Council’s discriminatory approaches to conflicts in the Mideast region.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Michael Linhart, the Austrian secretary-general for foreign affairs, in Tehran on Monday.

“Situation in the region is very sensitive and complicated and the Western Asian and Central Asian countries are facing terrorist and extremist threats more than others,” he stated.

Zarif called for expansion of cooperation and interaction among the regional and European countries in countering terrorism.

Commenting on Iran-Austria relations, he said that strengthening of ties is important to Iran.

There is no obstruction for expansion of ties in various areas, he added.

For his part, Linhart stated that Austria welcomes expansion of ties with Iran.

He also said that Europe is determined to play more “effective” role in countering against terrorism.

-----Iran seeks agreement that respects its rights---

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said on Monday that Tehran seeks an agreement that respects all Iran’s nuclear rights.

Takht-Ravanchi made the remarks in a separate meeting with Linhart.

The 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) should make efforts to reach an agreement by avoiding adopting “utmost” position, he said.

He also stated that Iran seeks to establish peace and stability in the region through dialogue and peaceful ways.

The Austrian official expressed optimism toward reaching a nuclear agreement.

Linhart stated that Austria is ready to expand ties with Iran.

NA/PA