Iran Ready to Resume Talks with EU: FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced Iran’s readiness to keep on interacting with the European parties, hoping that the negotiations would go on with a constructive attitude and the avoidance of political bias.
In a telephone conversation on Monday, Araqchi and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas discussed a range of regional and international developments.
The Iranian foreign minister briefed the EU official on the latest progress in the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US.
Araqchi noted that Iran has adopted a responsible approach as it has chosen the path of diplomacy to resolve the artificial concerns surrounding its peaceful nuclear program.
He stressed that progress in this process requires serious determination and realism from the other side, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
Araqchi further noted that if, as claimed, the only concern is the potential for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, this concern will be solvable, and an agreement in this regard will be entirely within reach.
The top Iranian diplomat added that the resolution of the issue requires avoiding unrealistic and illogical positions.
Referring to several rounds of discussions held over the past year with the European troika (Germany, France, and the UK), Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to continue engagement with the European side, be it within the framework of the European Union or the E3 format.
He also expressed hope that these dialogues would resume and continue in a constructive manner, free from political bias.
The foreign minister further elaborated on Iran’s position regarding the situation in Ukraine, stressing that the cooperation between Iran and Russia is not directed against any third country.
He further announced Iran’s readiness to enter into political dialogue with the European Union regarding mutual security concerns.
The EU foreign policy chief, for her part, welcomed the prospect of political dialogue with Iran.
Kallas announced Europe’s readiness for more exchanges on the current concerns.
She expressed hope that during the upcoming contacts between deputy officials from both sides, the groundwork for initiating these talks would be laid and the necessary preparations are made, an idea that was welcomed by the Iranian foreign minister.
Kallas finally offered her condolences, on behalf of the EU, over casualties in a recent explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port and extended her sympathies to the families of the victims.
