Iran President Hassan Rouhani greets Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, Tehran, March 7, 2021
Amid renewed hopes for informal talks over the future of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has hosted Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney in Tehran.
Rouhani maintained Iran’s firm public line in the Sunday meeting, “The best way to solve problems with European partners at various bilateral, regional and international levels, is negotiations based on mutual respect and avoiding any threats or pressure.”
He chided Europe’s “inactivity”. Despite Iran’s suspension of commitments under the deal, he declared that Tehran is dedicated to “preserving the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action] and is the only party that has paid a price for it”.
“But this situation cannot continue as it is,” the President asserted.
Publicly, the Rouhani Government is refusing any discussions with the US and the parties to the deal (UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia) before American sanctions are lifted.
However, European diplomats said last week that, behind the scenes, Tehran is engaging over the possibility of talks. The optimism led to the UK, France, and Germany backing off a resolution that would have denounced Iran’s limits on inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Coveney told Rouhani on Sunday, “With the new conditions, there is a good opportunity for negotiation and dialogue, which should be required of all members to implement the JCPOA.”
See also Europe Steps Back Over Iran Threat to Nuclear Inspections
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Friday, “I will shortly present our constructive concrete plan of action – through proper diplomatic channels.”
Mohsen Rezaei, the Secretary of the Expediency Council, signalled, “They can announce and reassure us that all sanctions imposed after the JCPOA would be lifted in less than one year and tell us to go and negotiate this process.”
The Iranian Government announced recently that Ireland’s Embassy in Tehran can be reopened, and welcomed discussions with Coveney over Middle Eastern issues.
