Iran rejects US claim, says no 'new demand' beyond JCPOA made in Doha
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has rejected claims made by US officials on new demands raised by the Iranian delegation in Doha talks, saying the Islamic Republic’s requests are in line with the 2015 accord.
According to Press TV, addressing a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Aal-e Thani in Tehran on Wednesday, the top Iranian diplomat reiterated that his country seeks a “good, strong and lasting agreement.”
“Contrary to media claims of the American side, we have put forward no excessive demand that goes beyond the framework of the JCPOA (the joint comprehensive plan of action)," Amir-Abdollahian said, adding that the demands are totally in line with the 2015 deal.
Iran and the US are presently engaged in indirect talks in the Qatari capital of Doha, which began last week, mediated by the European Union. The talks were aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and having sanctions on Iran lifted.
Amir-Abdollahian's remarks came in response to US special envoy for Iran Robert Malley, who claimed on Tuesday that Tehran has added "new demands" at the Doha talks.
Iran seeking economic benefits of JCPOA
During Wednesday's presser, Amir-Abdollahian referred to assurances given by Western sides in Vienna talks to eliminate all obstacles that prevent Iran from obtaining economic benefits of the deal, suggesting that these barriers may be what the US considers "beyond-JCPOA demands".
“One of the issues that we mainly focused on in Doha talks was [the provision of] an effective guarantee by the US for everything than can affect Iran’s reaping of the full economic benefits of the JCPOA,” added the minister.
“So our demand is not excessive and we are on the path of acquiring the guarantees. The US should commit that the Islamic Republic of Iran will receive all the benefits of the 2015 deal. This is what the American side has failed to give assurances about its realization.”
Stressing that Iran has “goodwill” and welcomes “logical negotiations,” Amir-Abdollahian noted that the country is “serious” on this path.
The FM also expressed Iran’s appreciation to the “brotherly and friendly” country of Qatar for their “constructive efforts” and for hosting the talks.
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