Amir-Abdollahian: We have serious doubts about US intentions
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said Iran is ready to resume Vienna talks but has doubts about US intentions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed that Iran will not link the fate of the country and the people of Iran to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In an interview for Iran Newspaper, Amir-Abdollahian said that his country has planned a comprehensive mechanism to implement regional cooperation, affirming that Iran will stand against the US' Iranophobic propaganda campaign.
He pointed out that lifting the sanctions on Iran will have a positive, effective impact and that the Iranian negotiating team is working to achieve this goal.
The Foreign Minister said that President Ebrahim Raisi's administration outlined a balanced foreign policy based on active, intelligent, and dynamic diplomacy, especially with neighboring states and countries in Asia, as well as Europe, Latin America, and Africa.
Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran will not tie all of its foreign policy issues exclusively to China and Russia and will prioritize Asia-oriented foreign policy.
When it comes to foreign powers, the Islamic Republic is committed to its slogan of "No East, No West" to maintain independence, he added.
On the return to the JCPOA, he mentioned that Iran plans to resume negotiations and believed that a simple executive order from US President Joe Biden to return to the point that his predecessor Donald Trump withdrew at can show the US administration's determination.
The Iranian Foreign Minister argued that Biden is pursuing Trump's foreign policies and has not taken any practical steps to lift sanctions; therefore, there are serious doubts about the US intentions.
Amir-Abdollahian indicated that Iran's participation in the Baghdad Summit served as a declaration of its readiness for dialogue in the region.
He also announced the start of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, explaining that the Kingdom's behavior toward Iran in recent years has not been constructive.
According to the Minister, the talks with Saudi Arabia were held with Iraqi mediation, following a decision that was taken at the national level and in coordination with all departments and foreign policy agencies responsible for implementing foreign policy.
The Foreign Minister expressed, however, that the Saudis are moving slowly in this regard.