Iran Prepared for Nuclear Discussions 'Rooted in Respect': Official

Tehran, Jan 6 (NationPress) Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that the nation is open to negotiations rooted in respect and dignity to tackle concerns surrounding its nuclear program and to lift sanctions.

During a weekly press briefing in Tehran, he responded to inquiries about the potential for talks between Iran and the United States.

Baghaei emphasized Iran's commitment to dialogue, highlighting that Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had clearly articulated the country's latest stance that 'we are prepared for negotiations grounded in dignity and respect regarding the removal of sanctions and addressing concerns about the nature of Iran's nuclear program.'

'This is our unwavering position. However, the framework for any prospective negotiations must be determined after evaluating all factors, including the approaches and actions of the other parties,' Baghaei noted.

He mentioned that a new series of discussions involving Tehran and the E3 group, comprising France, Britain, and Germany, is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 13-14. These talks will cover a variety of topics, including developments in West Asia, bilateral relations with the European Union, Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

Iran entered into a nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with global powers in July 2015, agreeing to impose certain limitations on its nuclear activities in exchange for the alleviation of sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions against Iran, leading Tehran to reduce its commitments under the deal.

The discussions aimed at reviving the JCPOA commenced in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria. Despite numerous rounds of negotiations, no substantial progress has been achieved.