Tehran Asks US to Avoid Imposing Negative Atmosphere on N. Talks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said the US is trying to impose a new negative atmosphere on nuclear talks between Iran and the sextet of world powers.
Speaking on Thursday, Afkham warned that such negative attempts by the US will result in “reciprocal measures by the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Her remarks came in reaction to statements by US State Secretary John Kerry in a CNN interview on Wednesday.
“We have told the Iranians that we will continue to apply the - the sanctions. And we have made it clear to every other country that the sanctions regime remains in place,” Kerry told CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“If the Iranians do not produce the agreement necessary, then we can put sanctions in 12 hours, five hours. Congress will pass it like that. We can have new sanctions,” he added.
Kerry further warned “We’ve lost nothing off the table but we want to give diplomacy a chance.”
In reply, Afkham underlined that such remarks, made only a few days before the beginning of the new round of negotiations will only darken the positive atmosphere create between Iran and the sextet.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (the US, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany) in November signed a six-month deal on Tehran’s nuclear program, based on which the world powers agreed to suspend some non-essential sanctions and to impose no new nuclear-related bans in return for Tehran's decision to suspend its 20% enrichment for a period of six months.
They are slated to hold a fresh round of talks over Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program in mid-February.
Afkham regretted that instead of trying to regain the Iranian public opinion’s trust, the US officials are insisting on their “non-realistic and delusional” views about Iran.
She reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not back down on its inalienable rights and urged Washington to abandon the illusion that Tehran will give up its nuclear stances under pressure.
