Iranian vice president says Tehran still distrusts Washington

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has said Tehran remains deeply distrustful of the United States, warning that even a formal agreement would not guarantee an end to hostile actions against the country. 

According to the ISNA news agency, Aref said: "Even in the event of an agreement with the United States, there is no guarantee that hostile actions will stop." He added that Iran therefore had to maintain a high level of preparedness regardless of diplomatic developments.

Aref said that strengthening deterrence through scientific and technological advancement remained a long-term priority for the Islamic Republic.

"Maintaining the country's readiness and increasing deterrence power through the development of science and technology is a permanent necessity for the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.