Iran has ruled out a proposal by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to mediate between Iran and U.S. and host bilateral nuclear talks in Baghdad.
However, Tehran has announced that communication channels with Washington remain open via their Interests Sections.
"It is commendable that Iraq, as a neighbouring, Muslim, and friendly country, is concerned regarding peace and stability in the region,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at a weekly press conference regarding al-Sudani’s comments aired in a TV interview.
“Nevertheless, the start of the process requires the parties to adhere to the etiquette of negotiations,” he was quoted saying by IRNA news agency.
“As long as this is not provided, talking about the formation of a negotiation process cannot be very realistic.”
He said, it was the US government which abandoned the Omani-mediated talks and bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities under U.N. safeguards in the middle of negotiations last June.
According to Baghaei, the direct talks offer by the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Iran’s nuclear sanctions resolution last week was “hypocritical”.
“This position was absolutely hypocritical in the sense that they are announcing extending their hand for diplomacy, and at the same time are setting preconditions that they are sure will not be acceptable to the other side.”
He said one cannot determine the outcome of a negotiation before entering the negotiating room and say, "You can only enter the negotiations if you give me everything I demand in advance."
Baghaei stressed that any negotiations in future will be restricted to the nuclear issue, not dealing with Iran’s ballistic missile program, rejecting the U.S. “zero-enrichment” precondition for resumption of talks.
“The subject of discussions with the US side so far has been solely the nuclear issue. We have also emphasized that we are not prepared to discuss any issue that has no connection to the nuclear issue, because there is basically no logic or justification for these demands.”
Tehran withdrew from Omani-mediated nuclear negotiations in the wake of the Israeli and U.S. attacks and demanded guarantees that it will not be invaded again during the talks.
The Iranian diplomat confirmed that communication channels with U.S. remain open through their Interests Sections in Washington and Tehran.
“The communication channel is in place. There is the official channel through the U.S. Interests Section in Swiss Embassy in Tehran and the Iranian Interests Section (in Pakistani Embassy) in Washington. This route still exists.”
The spokesman also stated that the channel between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is intact but not active.
“There is no need to establish any contacts at the moment,” the Iranian diplomat added.
Australia put on a defensive masterclass as they beat Türkiye 2-0 in Vancouver in the final opening Group D match....
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Teh...
Romania's centrist President Nicușor Dan on Sunday designated Adrian Veștea, a member of the liberal party, as prime minister, after independent can...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 ar...
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterren...
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Tehran cast doubt over the timing and hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States and Iran have traded fresh strikes, with the U.S. hitting military sites and Iran launching missiles and drones at bases and ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping remains active, but tensions are rising as calls grow for restraint and renewed talks.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 are without a job in the country, according to World Bank data.
Kazakhstan’s ruling Amanat party has announced it will merge with a party launched only a month ago by allies of the country’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
An Indian pollution regulator has accused a Tata components factory supplying Apple iPhones of contaminating groundwater near farmland with wastewater, raising the prospect of a forced shutdown unless the company provides a satisfactory response.
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader efforts to support small businesses, encourage innovation and accelerate private sector development.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment