Spox predicts JCPOA talks timing be determined soon

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Nasser Kanaani commented on the latest developments in Iraq, saying that Iran closely followed the developments and has always emphasized stability and security in the friendly and brotherly country.

What is happening in Iraq is caused by internal political disputes, Kanaani said, adding that political parties and movements in Iraq could peacefully put these behind in the framework of the constitution and legal mechanisms.

Iran has always respected the choice of the Iraqi people and continues to do so, he noted, stressing that dialogue is always the best solution to the internal issues in Iraq.

On the dispute surrounding sharing of water rights to Helmand River, the spokesman said that Iran expects the caretaker government in Afghanistan to implement its commitments in the 1973 treaty between the two countries and remove the potential artificial barriers along the river.

He also said that the issue was a test of the caretaker government’s commitment to agreements and the rights of neighboring countries.

However, he noted that Kabul has failed to satisfy Iran’s expectations and that the water released to enter Iran’s soils was insufficient.

On the stalled negotiations between Iran and the P4+1 for a possible return of the United States to the 2015 nuclear deal, aka the JCPOA, Kanaani said that it was possible that the timing of the new round of talks would be determined in the near future, adding that Iran welcomed any initiative that would help reach a deal.

This totally depends on the American side’s determination to show preparedness to reach a reasonable, sustainable deal and avoid raising irrelevant issues, the spokesman underlined.

He confirmed that Iran has received EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell’s proposal to resume talks, and said that the recent telephone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi was partly triggered by this proposal.

The French side and officials from other countries have made efforts to bring the viewpoints closer, Kanaani affirmed, noting that Iran welcomed any initiative in this regard.

He declined to comment on the reports on Iraq-facilitated talks between Iran and Jordon, but said there are direct contacts between the two countries at different levels through foreign ministries.

On delivering fuel to Lebanon, Kanaani noted that Iran was prepared to supply Lebanon’s fuel demands if a formal request from the Lebanese government was made.

The spokesman also commented on conflicts with the forces of Taliban on Iran’s eastern borders, saying that it was caused by misunderstanding by Afghan border guards and their unfamiliarity with border lines.

He mentioned the appointment of Iran’s new representative to the IAEA, and said that Tehran expected the nuclear watchdog to act on a professional and fair basis and avoid politicization, so that it can serve its facilitating role in the talks to revive the nuclear deal.

The nuclear chief denied any direct talks with the United States whether on prisoner swap or the nuclear issue, but he said that there are indirect talks through the EU’s Borrell as the go-between.

He called on the US to release Iranians arbitrarily prisoned in the country for the sole charge of being involved in evading sanctions against Iran.

However, the spokesman said concerning the Iranian-American citizens detained in Iran that Iran doesn’t recognize dual citizenship and identifies those persons as Iranian national.

Iran’s treatment was totally a legal but not a political one in this case and it is ready for any measure on humanitarian basis.