Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declares direct talks with the U.S. regarding the nuclear program meaningless amid “maximum pressure” policy; he criticizes American inconsistencies in diplomacy and urges a review of European actions. The conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforces a commitment to diplomatic solutions and maintains open communication channels between Iran and the UK.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed that direct negotiations with the United States concerning the country’s peaceful nuclear program are insignificant under the current climate of “maximum pressure” and military threats. During a phone call with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Araghchi criticized the inconsistent messaging from American officials regarding negotiations, labeling the use of diplomacy for political leverage as unacceptable.
Araghchi explained that the Islamic Republic of Iran maintains a responsible approach, conveying the U.S. President’s responses through the proper channels. The Trump administration has recently reinstated the maximum pressure policy, originally introduced in 2016, which led to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and the imposition of severe sanctions on Tehran.
Additionally, Araghchi expressed disappointment at the counterproductive measures taken by certain European countries and the European Union, which include sanctions imposed on Iran based on unsubstantiated reasons. He urged these nations to reevaluate their stance towards Iran and West Asian matters.
In their conversation, the Iranian and British foreign ministers acknowledged the renewed engagement of their ambassadors in London and Tehran, hoping this would enhance bilateral relations. They discussed mutual consular issues and underscored the necessity of maintaining communication on various matters of common interest.
The British foreign secretary extended New Year greetings to his Iranian counterpart and reaffirmed the commitment of Britain and European countries to seek a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
In summary, Iran firmly rejects the possibility of direct talks with the U.S. under the maximum pressure policy, highlighting the futility of negotiations under current circumstances. Both Iranian and British officials emphasize the importance of diplomatic engagement while expressing mutual concerns. The ongoing strains reflect broader geopolitical issues, urging a reconsideration of approaches from Western nations toward Iran. In this context, the resumption of ambassadorial dialogues signifies a potential avenue for improving bilateral relations.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
