Iran FM to Borrell: Tehran serious in reaching a lasting deal

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Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed Iran's seriousness in reaching a lasting deal in the Vienna talks, stressing that his country has the goodwill to reach the deal.

During a phone call with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, Amir-Abdollahian discussed the latest developments in the Vienna Talks on sanctions removal, as well as the latest global developments, including the crisis in Ukraine.

The Iranian FM also noted the latest visit made by Borrell's deputy, Enrique Mora, to Tehran, and said that Iranian initiatives were discussed during the visit.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Thursday that Tehran is ready to act as a mediator in the issues between Kiev and Moscow, as the war unfolds in Ukraine and following several bids made by third parties to mediate between the two countries.

"Iran supports any diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict given its excellent ties with Russia. It is ready to mediate and help with the settlement of the crisis," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Borell: We are on a new track to continue dialogue

For his part, Borrell referred to the initiatives made by Iran in the Vienna Talks, saying, "We are now on a new road to continuing dialogue and focusing on solutions."

Borrell further said the EU is continuing its efforts in ongoing communication to bridge the gap between Tehran's and Washington's views, hoping that a good result would be reached.

Last week, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting among the G7 in Germany, Borrell said an EU envoy visited Tehran this week for negotiations that went "better than expected."