Iran ready to resume Vienna talks within days to revive JCPOA: FM
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Tehran is ready to resume the stalled talks with the P4+1 group of countries in Vienna to revive the 2015 deal that the US abandoned in defiance of international criticism.
According to Press TV, the FM made the remarks in a joint press conference with the European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell, in Tehran on Saturday as the bloc seeks to break an impasse between the parties to the deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), over the agreement's revival and the removal of sanctions against Iran.
"We are ready to resume the Vienna talks within the next days," the top diplomat said.
He expressed hope that the US would "this time" pursue a "realistic and fair approach" and act responsibly.
The FM said he held "detailed, precise and deep" talks with Borrell on the JCPOA revival negotiations, adding, "We are going to break the stalemate in the Vienna talks and end the tension that has existed in recent days."
Pointing to his recent phone call with Borrell, Amir-Abdollahian said the country "always welcomes the path of diplomacy" and "result-oriented talks."
"What is important for the Islamic Republic of Iran is that it should completely enjoy all the economic benefits [stipulated] in the 2015 agreement," the FM said, emphasizing that the country would not accept anything that would possibly affect the issue.
Referring to Israel's acts of sabotage with respect to the JCPOA revival talks, he said, "We do not brook provocative measures of the fake Israeli regime."
"Iran would not stand idly by in the face of the threatening moves of the Zionist regime, including its destructive measures in the talks about the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear program," the foreign minister pointed out.
Comprehensive relations between Iran, EU
The FM further said he held "long but positive" discussions with Borrell on comprehensive cooperation between Iran and the EU, emphasizing, "The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks balanced relations in [its] foreign policy with the world. The European continent has an important position for us."
The top diplomat added that maintaining and expanding relations with all European states, both EU member states and non-EU countries, are among Tehran's priorities in pursuing relations with Europe.
He expressed hope that Iran and European states would witness the improvement of relations in the light of bilateral talks and the continuation of discussions with Borrell.
Vienna talks to resume in days: EU's Borrell
Borrell, for his part, said talks on reviving the JCPOA will resume soon in the coming days.
"We are expected to resume talks in the coming days and break the impasse. It has been three months and we need to accelerate the work. I am very happy about the decision that has been made in Tehran and Washington," the top EU diplomat said.
He said that the talks will resume "quickly: and "immediately" in an effort to "solve the last outstanding issues."
He added that a deal with Iran should ensure that Tehran will reap "full benefits, full economic benefits of the agreement."
The EU foreign policy chief was speaking after a two-hour meeting with the Iranian foreign minister.
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