Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has agreed to negotiate immediately with the US – fueling rumors of preparations for a forthcoming bilateral meeting.
„For negotiations (with the US, note) we are always ready, even this hour, even now,“ said Rouhani yesterday. However, according to his web portal, he again set conditions: Before the Americans would have to come to their senses, put an end to the pressure and lift sanctions against Iran.
Rouhani’s statement comes at a remarkable time: Yesterday Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Jawad Sarif arrived in New York. According to the state news agency IRNA, Sarif will give a speech to the UN Economic and Social Council on Wednesday. Rumors are circulating in Tehran that Sarif wants to prepare a meeting with the American side in New York around the UN General Assembly in September. These rumors were fueled by Rouhani’s remarks.
Sarif did not want to confirm or deny contact with the American side. „At present, only UN meetings are planned,“ said Sarif after his arrival in New York.
Europeans admonish Tehran to treaty
Meanwhile, in a joint statement made four years ago at the signing of the nuclear agreement, Germany, France and Britain urged Iran to reverse its recent violations of the treaty.
In its statement, the three co-signatories to the agreement expressed their concern that the July 14, 2015 agreement would be further disrupted under pressure from US sanctions and „as a result of Iran’s decision to stop implementing several key provisions.“ For that reason, it is time to „act responsibly“ and seek ways to „resume dialogue“.
Next behind nuclear agreements
The risks are so high, „that all parties pause and must consider the possible consequences of their actions,“ they reminded. In their statement, Berlin, Paris and London referred in particular to Tehran’s decision „to enrich uranium beyond the permitted limits“, the attacks in the Persian Gulf and the worsening security situation in the region.
They continue to support the nuclear agreement, but its continuation depends on „Iran fully fulfilling its obligations,“ the three states continue. They urged Tehran to „undo“ its recent decisions in this regard.
Germany, France and the UK were instrumental in the establishment of the nuclear agreement with Iran, which was also signed by Russia and China. Last year, US President Donald Trump announced his country’s withdrawal from the agreement and the imposition of new sanctions on Tehran.
