Iran reviewing US proposal for talks as messages exchanged through mediators
Istanbul (ANTARA) - The Iranian government said it was reviewing a proposal from the United States for negotiations, as Tehran and Washington continued to exchange messages through mediators.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday that Pakistan and Qatar continued to act as mediators between Tehran and Washington.
“Exchanges of messages between Iran and the US through mediators are continuing,” Baqaei said.
“We are reviewing the American proposal for negotiations. Iran’s preconditions must be met in any talks,” he added.
Baqaei said Russia was also continuing to play a constructive role on the Iranian nuclear issue. He referred to Moscow’s involvement in the 2015 nuclear deal.
He said relations between Iran and Russia were based on mutual trust.
Tehran welcomed support efforts by friendly countries, but stressed that, “technically and precisely”, mediation between Iran and the US remained in the hands of countries such as Pakistan and Qatar.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei said developments in the area were a direct consequence of US and Israeli attacks on Iran. He rejected the suggestion that Tehran’s actions were intended to build leverage in negotiations.
“What we have witnessed in the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February is a direct result of attacks by the US and the Israeli regime against Iran,” he said.
“With the US’s current approach, security will not return,” he added.
Baqaei also rejected US claims that Iran had lost its leverage, saying they did not reflect the reality on the ground.
“They can say that Iran has lost its leverage, but we continue to carry out our duties,” he said, adding that energy markets were not responding to Washington’s statements in the way the US claimed.
He also expressed deep concern about continuing tensions on the Arabian Peninsula.
He said Tehran was ready to facilitate dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement.
“We do not want war and hostility to continue between two Muslim countries,” he said.
Iran’s consultations with countries in the region were continuing. He added that Tehran had repeatedly offered to help facilitate dialogue and a peaceful settlement.