Talks on resumption of nuclear deal: According to Iranian Foreign Minister, "If necessary, direct talks with the United States could be considered."
Talking about the resumption of the 2015 nuclear deal with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian said on Monday that direct talks with the United States could be considered "if necessary."
"The United States has consistently called for direct talks," he said. But we have not come to our conclusion yet. "
During the event, entitled "Iran and its Neighbors," Hussein Amir Abdullahian said that the United States had sent a message of direct dialogue through Iran's neighbors.
Talks are under way in the Austrian capital, Vienna, between Iran and world powers to restore the nuclear deal.
US President Trump unilaterally terminated the agreement in 2018. But now the United States is indirectly involved in these talks.
The Iranian foreign minister's statement came two weeks after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Iran could negotiate with "enemies" but would not bow to their demands. Khamenei had earlier banned direct talks with the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
According to Iran's state TV network, the Iranian foreign minister has said that Iranians will be told the details of the talks when certain results come out and "I hope we are getting closer to that."
Mahmoud Abbaszadeh Meshkini, a spokesman for the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said yesterday that Iran would hold direct talks with the United States if Washington showed goodwill.
White House spokesman Ned Price, meanwhile, said: "We are ready for a face-to-face meeting. We believe that direct contacts with Iran will be more effective, including the BRICS alliance talks and other issues.
He said that face-to-face meetings would be useful in better communication. Opportunities are slim because of the speed of production of Iran's nuclear program.
Russian Ambassador to Vienna Mikhail Olino, who is part of the talks, welcomed the Iranian foreign minister's statement. He said that these talks were in the final stages and mutual talks would be helpful.
Iran and the United States are reportedly not directly involved in the Vienna talks. Both sides are presenting their proposals through China, Russia and three European countries.Yes, direct talks at advanced stage of the #ViennaTalks might be useful . https://t.co/pdc2kDIYz5
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) January 24, 2022
It should be noted that Hussein Amir Abdullahian has been criticized in recent days for not welcoming Iranian President Ibrahim Raeisi to Russia with diplomatic protocol. Russia has reportedly not extended a long-term cooperation agreement with Iran.
Prisoner exchange not linked to Vienna talks
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Office spokesman Saeed Khatibzada said that Iran is in talks with the United States on the exchange of prisoners. He rejects the notion that it has anything to do with the nuclear deal.
"These are two different paths," he said. But if the opposition wants, a long-term and long-term agreement can be reached in a short time.
On the other hand, a US State Department spokesman has said that the future of US prisoners in Iran is not linked to the resumption of the nuclear deal.
The US special envoy to Iran, Robert Meli, has said that it would be difficult to restore the nuclear deal at a time when Iran is holding four US citizens hostage.
Former US diplomat Barry Rosen, who was held hostage in Iran for 444 days in 1979, went on a hunger strike last week. They demand a prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States.
After meeting with Robert Mali, Rosen announced that she would end her hunger strike in five days, but that the campaign would continue.
Iran has also indicated that it is ready to show flexibility on the issue, as it relates to human rights.
Khatibzada said that if the United States sticks to its agreement, the human rights issue can be resolved in a short period of time.