Tehran, Oct 17, IRNA � Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday that Iran is signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty prior to the nuclear deal struck on July 14. He downplayed remarks by US officials over the past few days as mere rhetoric.

Araqchi made the remarks speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a preliminary meeting of International (Munich) Security Conference held at Tehran-based Institute for Political and International Studies.

Araqchi said that even before the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was struck between Iran and the six world powers, Iran, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, had allowed continuous inspection of its nuclear facilities.

'The fact that Mr. Kerry and his friends try to highlight their own interpretation of the JCPOA is something normal,' Araqchi said.

He said that instead of the rhetoric made by the other side, the realities on the ground have to be paid due attention.

The preliminary meeting of the International (Munich) Security Conference was held in Tehran on Saturday attended by foreign ministers of Iran, Germany, Oman, Lebanon and prime minister of Iraqi Kurdistan autonomous administration.

By IRNA