Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that direct talks with the U.S. on its nuclear program are pointless under the ‘maximum pressure’ policy. He criticized the U.S. for contradictory stances and urged European nations to reconsider their sanctions on Iran. The discussion with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy included hopes for improved bilateral relations and mutual concerns over consular issues.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that negotiations with the United States regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program are deemed ineffective while the U.S. maintains its ‘maximum pressure’ policy and threatens military action. This assertion was made during a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Araghchi criticized the U.S. for its contradictory messages concerning negotiations, asserting that using diplomacy as a means of political pressure is unacceptable.
Araghchi further mentioned that Iran has responsibly communicated the U.S. president’s responses through suitable diplomatic channels. The ‘maximum pressure’ policy, re-established during the Trump administration, originally began in 2016 when Trump withdrew from the significant nuclear agreement reached in 2015, which had lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear activities.
Recently, Trump called for renewed negotiations with Iran, while simultaneously threatening military intervention. Araghchi also expressed his discontent regarding the lack of constructive engagement from some European nations and the European Union, criticizing the imposition of sanctions under unfounded claims. He urged European nations to reevaluate their stance on Iran and broader regional issues.
In the discussion, both Araghchi and Lammy celebrated the resumption of operations by the new ambassadors in London and Tehran, expressing optimism for improved bilateral relations. The conversation addressed mutual consular matters, emphasizing the significance of maintaining effective communication to address bilateral concerns and other relevant topics. The British foreign secretary extended New Year’s wishes to Araghchi and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to seeking a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issue.
In summary, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserts that direct negotiations with the United States are futile without the cessation of the ‘maximum pressure’ policy. This policy, reinstated by former President Trump, has significantly hindered diplomatic relations. Additionally, Araghchi called for a reassessment of European approaches to Iran while both nations aim to enhance their diplomatic ties.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
