Obama’s letter contains nothing new: Iran`s Velayati

TEHRAN, Jan. 17 (MNA) – Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy advisor to the Supreme Leader, said on Monday that the letter received from U.S. President Barack Obama contained nothing new. The Obama administration has sent a secret message to the Supreme Leader warning about a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, the New York Times reported on January 12. Velayati told reporters that the relevant officials will study the letter and give response to it. In reply to a question about the West’s efforts to impose oil sanctions against the Islamic Republic, he said that oil is not a commodity to be sanctioned by anyone, adding that Iran can easily sell its oil. Demand for Iran’s oil has always outstripped supply, the former foreign minister said. Elsewhere in his remarks, Velayati commented on the March parliamentary elections and emphasized the importance of unity among various principlist groups. He said, “Our main objective is the proximity and unity of principlist groups.” He said anyone who proves his adherence to the criteria set by principlists will be elected by voters.