Iran FM urges Kiev, Moscow to negotiate, end war

Amir Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone call with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles.

Referring to the recent visit of Enrique Mora, EU Deputy Foreign policy chief, to Tehran, he said that initiatives had been considered during his visit.

Pointing to Iran’s seriousness in a strong and lasting agreement, he said that Tehran has the goodwill and will to reach an agreement.

Accordingly, he appreciated the constructive efforts made by Josep Borrell and Enrique Mora.

Referring to the crisis in Ukraine, he said that Iran has always emphasized its opposition against the use of war, including in Ukraine.

Iran has never adopted a double standard in dealing with the crisis in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, he said adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on both sides of the conflict in Kyiv and Moscow to negotiate and end the war, and considers that the solution to the crisis is to focus on diplomacy and dialogue.

Stressing to his talks with the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in recent months, he offered Iran's readiness to support peace, security, and mediation.

Meanwhile, Borell underscored Iran’s initiatives in the Vienna talks, saying: "We are now on a new path of continuing dialogue and focusing on solutions."

We are determined to continue efforts in the ongoing contact between Tehran and Washington aiming to bring the views closer.

I hope to achieve a good result, he reiterated.

He also praised Iran’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, saying that Iran's efforts to invite the parties to talks and to offer a ceasefire are due to its goodwill.

Unfortunately, the two sides accuse each other of not having the will to talk, so it will be difficult to achieve peace.