Iran Sets Pre-Conditions for U.S. Talks

Talks Meaningless Unless U.S. Changes Its Views and Behavior Toward Iran – Foreign Ministry

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast today announced Iran’s preconditions for holding talks with the U.S.

“According to the framework announced by the Supreme Leader of the Revolution (Ayatollah Khamenei), talks with the U.S. is impossible and meaningless unless they change their views and behavior toward Iran, apologize for 60 years of hostile and cruel actions against Iran, recognizing equal status (between the two),” said Mehmanparast. (IRNA, 8 February)

Mehmanparast did not elaborate that if the U.S. changes its views and behavior toward Iran, as a precondition to start the talks, then why the talks would still be needed or critical.

Mehmanparast also said Iran will seek “new solutions” (outside the talks with the U.S.) for its nuclear rights to be recognized. He did not suggest what those new solutions could be. He added that the U.S. will not be able to stop Iran from claiming its nuclear rights.

To read IRNA’s report on Mehmanparast comments (in Farsi), please click here.

Meanwhile, referring to new U.S. sanctions that went into effect on Wednesday, Mehmanparast said they are imposed to create tensions within Iran before its June presidential election.

“The new round of sanctions ... are designed to put pressure on the nation and to create a gap between the (Iranian) nation and government... In the remaining time to the election, they want to create tension, crisis and instability in the country by imposing great pressure.” (EA World View, 8 February)

Photo: Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast (IRNA)