TEHRAN – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Justice and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated his country’s intention to resume negotiations to lift sanctions if other parties demonstrate readiness for constructive dialogue. Confirmed.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Ghalibabadi emphasized Iran’s continued commitment to negotiations. “We have always been prepared for this, and I believe that if the other side is prepared as well, then the negotiations can move forward and reach a conclusion,” he said.
He further noted that Iran’s approach will remain flexible and responsive to the policies of other negotiating countries. He added: “If we observe different policies and approaches from the other side, Iran will adjust its own policies accordingly.”
Mr. Gharibabadi emphasized the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, criticized the ineffectiveness of unilateral sanctions, and expressed optimism about the possibility of meaningful dialogue. “There is a proper opportunity for dialogue and understanding,” he said. “The most logical way forward is to start talks towards lifting sanctions, and that is the rational and correct approach.”
Ghalibabadi also responded to former US President Donald Trump’s previous comments claiming that Iranian oil sales were being halted due to support for resistance forces fighting the Israeli occupation.
In a statement to reporters, Gharibabadi reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to participate diplomatically. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready, as always, to open and resume negotiations for sanctions relief,” he said. “We have consistently prepared, and if the other country shows similar readiness, we are confident that negotiations will proceed and a positive outcome will be achieved.”
He added that Iran’s position will remain flexible and responsive to the actions of other parties. “If we observe different policies and approaches of the other side, Iran will adjust its own approach accordingly,” Gharibabadi concluded.
He also clarified that talks are ongoing to determine the date and time for future talks, underscoring Iran’s determination to move forward with negotiations.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a landmark nuclear agreement signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany, which includes significant facing challenges. Since its founding. US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reinstated sanctions against Iran.
Negotiations to revive the JCPOA will resume in Vienna in April 2021, with the aim of assessing the US government’s commitment to rejoining the agreement and lifting sanctions imposed by the previous administration.
Iran is stepping up measures in response to other countries’ continued refusal to comply with their obligations under the nuclear deal.
Mr. Gharibabadi also emphasized the need for constructive dialogue with European countries to address the economic difficulties that are affecting the daily lives of ordinary people, and said that such dialogue could pave the way to solutions. He emphasized that there is a possibility that it will open.
Direct negotiations with the US are subject to approval by the head of the National Security Council: Iranian parliamentarians
In an interview with SNNTV, Mohammad Qashqavi, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, outlined the conditions under which direct negotiations between Iran and the United States would take place.
Speaking on the issue, Prime Minister Qashqavi emphasized the historical and political sensitivity of direct dialogue between the two countries, stating that such negotiations have been a contentious issue since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He explained that “direct negotiations between Iran and the United States have always been an important issue, and the decision-making mechanism in this area is completely clear.”
The lawmaker stressed that decisions regarding Iran-US relations are in accordance with the country’s established legal framework.
“At the top of this decision-making structure are the leaders of the Islamic Revolution, the president, and the Supreme Council of National Security,” Qashqavi said. He stressed that when the possibility of direct negotiations is raised, it must be carefully considered and approved within these institutional boundaries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously said that Iran would consider direct dialogue with the US only after rejoining the JCPOA.