Thread by @AliRogin

WATCH NOW: @JudyWoodruff's interview with Iranian FM @JZarif, shot earlier today in New York.

.@JudyWoodruff asks about the US shooting down of an Iranian drone yesterday.

@JZarif: We didn't lose any drones yesterday. So it doesn't look like they shot down one of our drones. Maybe they shot one of their drones.

.@JudyWoodruff: The Trump administration's official line is that the US is not looking for war with Iran. Do you believe that?

@JZarif: No. We didn't come to the Gulf of Mexico. They came to the Persian Gulf. Now they have to watch that they should not undermine our sovereignty.

.@JudyWoodruff: Why does Iran need to enrich uranium beyond the caps set in the JCPOA?

@JZarif: "We don't need to do this. We have a provision in the agreement that if one side does not fulfill its obligation, the other side may, within the agreement, reduce its commitments."

On #Yemen, @JZarif says the Saudis and their allies could end the war tomorrow if they give up on trying to end it militarily and "purchase security from outside."

@JudyWoodruff: Is there some tangible evidence that could happen?

.@JZarif: Not yet. Not with Saudi Arabia. Because unfortunately they see that the United States even supports them literally. With murder. They can get away with murder and still get the support of the United States and we all saw that.

On #Syria, @JZarif insists Iran is only supporting the Assad regime in its fight against ISIS. "The decision about who should rule Syria is not ours, is not yours. That decision is solely a decision that should be made by the people of Syria."

And then: "If you believe that [Assad] is such a butcher that is killing his people then why do you mind if he runs in an election? He would be voted out by the people you should only make sure that you have a free and fair election."

(Yes, he's calling for an election in Syria)

@JudyWoodruff: "You believe Mr. Assad. will allow the democratic process to go forward and allow free and fair elections in that country?"

@JZarif: "I think he will. And I think we all should help him."

MORE:

.@JudyWoodruff pushes @JZarif on why Iran is holding at least six American hostages.

@JZarif: "The United States is detaining many Iranians who have not committed any crimes... I called for a comprehensive exchange. Unfortunately the United States is not prepared to do that."

We had to cut this clip from the TV interview, but it's fascinating. @JudyWoodruff asks, aren't you emboldening hardliners at the WH by overstepping enrichment levels?

@JZarif: "Well, as a democracy you can understand that first and foremost we are responsible...

... and accountable to our own people. And our own people expect us to do something in response to U.S. violations. And to European failures. That's how a democracy operates." (NOTE: Iran elects a president but the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has been in power for 30 years)

If you want to see more of this fascinating interview, you can check out the entire thing -- all 25 minutes of @JudyWoodruff's sit-down -- here: pbs.org/newshour/world…