Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said that "the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to diplomacy based on its principles and is ready for result-oriented talks that serve the interests and [protect] rights of the Iranian people."

Amir-Abdollahian made this statement in a meeting with a group of US academics, scholars, and senior representatives of think tanks, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, answering their questions on a number of cases, including Iran's regional and foreign policy, as well as the future of the nuclear deal.

Iran's Foreign Minister stated that although the new government in Iran has given priority to the development of relations with its neighbors and Asian countries, it will simultaneously maintain balance in its foreign policy, also explaining Iran's position vis-à-vis Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and other regions.

On Afghanistan, the new Foreign Minister reiterated Iran's "principled policy on helping the establishment of an inclusive government in the crisis-hit country and preventing the spread of terrorist activities in the region."

Several news reports, quoting anonymous sources, said on Friday that the United States has no backup plan in case the nuclear deal with Iran fails.

Amir-Abdollahian said on Friday that Iran will return to the negotiations aiming to revive the 2015 nuclear deal "very soon".

Another senior Iranian official had confirmed that a return to the Vienna negotiations in order to revive the Iranian nuclear agreement might take place within days or weeks.

The official also said that Iran has doubts over Biden's desire to return to the nuclear agreement due to the absence of realistic indications that support the statements. He added that Iran is waiting for the Biden administration to take steps in terms of lifting sanctions and releasing Iranian funds.