Iranian FM Slams US’ Contradictory Positions Ahead of Talks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – As Iranian and American delegations are going to hold a new round of indirect talks in Oman, the foreign minister of Iran deplored the US’s flip-flop, reaffirming that Tehran’s inalienable right to enrichment won’t be subject to negotiations by any means.
The fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US will start in Muscat at noon on Sunday.
Speaking to IRIB before departing for Oman, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed hope that the two sides would reach a “determining point” in this round of talks.
Deploring the paradoxes in the US’ stances, Araqchi said, “Unfortunately we hear too many contradictory comments from the other side, either in their interviews or the stances they adopt.”
He said the Americans shift the views they hold during the talks, outside the negotiating table, and in media.
Mentioning the subjects of negotiations in the media calls into question the seriousness and determination of the other side, he added.
“Unlike the other side, Iran has definite stances based on certain principles. We have moved in a completely direct line. Our stances are totally clear. Iran’s nuclear program has strong legal basis. All aspects of the program are peaceful. It has been always and will remain to be under the IAEA’s supervision,” the foreign minister stated.
Araqchi underlined that the Iranian nation’s right to enrichment may not be subject to negotiation, bargaining or compromise.
However, he added, Iran is ready to build trust and resolve ambiguities.
He said Iran has already presented a plan in the talks to give an assurance that its nuclear program will remain peaceful.
The foreign minister stressed that an agreement that would entail prohibiting Iran’s access to nuclear weapons is totally achievable.
He warned the US negotiators that raising “irrational and unreal” demands in the talks and making requests that are not implementable will push the negotiations into problems.
Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in Muscat and Rome on April 12, 19 and 26, mediated by Oman, with the purpose of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.
