ISNA – Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said during a regular press briefing on Monday that Iran has taken the necessary steps for improving ties with Saudi Arabia and it is now Riyadh turn to take more steps.

Asked about relations with Saudi Arabia, which has severed diplomatic ties with Iran but is in contact with the Islamic Republic over this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, Qassemi said a set of actions had been taken by Iran toward the enhancement of ties.

“Relations are always two-way; they are not unilateral. We have taken the necessary steps,” he said, hoping that Saudi Arabia could do a better analysis of matters. “It is now Saudi Arabia’s turn to take more steps.”

In the meantime, he said, Iran would always be ready to help boost ties with regional countries.

About the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Qassemi said that the US was making “futile” efforts if it was seeking to hinder the implementation of a nuclear deal between Iran and six other countries through contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The IAEA monitors the technical aspects of the deal and regularly reports Iranian compliance. It has consistently confirmed Iran’s compliance with its end of the bargain in several reports so far.

“The contacts of the US government or representatives with the IAEA are their own business. If they are making efforts to cause problems for the JCPOA, I think that is a futile and pointless effort, since the Agency will at the end of the day follow its responsibilities with precision, and future reports will continue to confirm Iranian compliance, as well,” Qassemi said.