Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani clarified that the document mentioned in September regarding talks to revive the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is not a new document but rather the result of previous negotiations between Iran and the remaining parties to the nuclear deal.

During a press conference in Tehran, Kanaani responded to a question by IRNA's correspondent about Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's recent remarks on the "September document between Iran and the United States."

According to Kanaani, the negotiations to revive the JCPOA in September of the previous year were nearing finalization, but the United States and its European partners rejected the final document.

He stated that this rejection was a miscalculation, as they considered factors such as unrest in Iran and developments in Ukraine, missing a crucial opportunity to conclude the talks. Kanaani expressed disappointment, suggesting that this demonstrated a lack of genuine commitment on their part to return to the JCPOA and fulfill their obligations.

Kanaani also emphasized that Iran would seek to enhance its relations with countries that are interested in expanding ties, based on mutual respect. He highlighted that Iran's regional and international standing has been on the rise, leading to positive outcomes in terms of increasing Iran's trade with other nations.

Iran addresses media speculation regarding oil sales and trade

With regard to Western media reports regarding the sale of oil and Iran's commercial exchanges, Kanaani addressed the issue, suggesting that these media reports may have specific agendas. However, he emphasized that Iran has consistently stated its commitment to diplomatic channels.

Iran is determined to actively pursue the process of lifting sanctions and will not wait for the outcome of negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement or for the stance of the US administration on Iran's trade relationships with other countries, according to the Iranian spokesperson. 

Kanaani further stated that Iran will utilize all legal means available to protect the rights of its citizens. He pointed out that Tehran is leveraging its existing capacities to advance its international relations and that many governments are interested in enhancing cooperation with Iran.

Iranian expatriate concerns and support

Kanaani stated that some issues, such as supporting Iranian expatriates, facilitating their travel to their homeland, and increasing consular services, have received significant attention from Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi's administration.

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic offers a range of services to Iranian expatriates without being influenced by political considerations. He argued that consular services are not limited to individuals with differing viewpoints toward Iran or those with criminal records. Instead, Iranian consular offices are responsible for providing various consular services to all Iranian expatriates.

Kanaani went on to clarify that for those who may have concerns about visiting Iran, a consular system has been established in collaboration with relevant entities. This system allows Iranian expatriates to pose questions and receive answers, addressing any inquiries or uncertainties they may have, as per the top Iranian figure.

Iran's role in facilitating relations between Syria and Turkey

When it comes to Iran's relations with Turkey, the top Iranian figure reiterated that Iran has a well-defined stance, and this position remains unchanged. Iran is optimistic about achieving the desired outcomes within the ongoing diplomatic efforts, he added.

Regarding the disagreements between Syria and Turkey and the process of normalizing their relations,  Kanaani mentioned that Iran, acting as an impartial mediator, is actively working to facilitate improved relations between the two nations. While it's acknowledged that differences exist between the two countries, Iran's primary concern is that both parties respect Syria's territorial integrity and national sovereignty, he said.

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Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Iranian figure affirmed that Iran, being on good terms with both nations, is committed to assisting in the resolution of these disputes, adding that these efforts are part of a broader initiative involving Russia, Iran, Syria, and Turkey working together to find diplomatic solutions.

On the Iran-Iraq security deal, Kanaani clarified that the agreement's particulars are clearly outlined, and there is a strong commitment from both the Iraqi government and the officials in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region to follow through on the agreement's provisions.

Iran anticipates that the Iraqi government will fulfill its obligations within a specified timeframe, leading to the full implementation of this agreement by the Iraqi government, as per Kanaani.

Iran's pursuit of multilateral cooperation

In reference to the recent meeting involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, Kanaani highlighted Tehran's efforts to strengthen its diplomatic ties with neighboring nations and its aspirations to establish both bilateral and multilateral collaborations with these countries.

He noted that various proposals have been put forward in this direction, with Iran suggesting initiatives tailored to regional conditions and friendly nations.

Kanaani emphasized the significance of Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia as key players in the region and the Islamic world, citing their potential to engage in a trilateral framework, which could be harnessed to address regional challenges.

He expressed optimism that such cooperation could effectively contribute to resolving regional issues.

Regarding Foreign Minister Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's recent visits to Lebanon and Syria, Kanaani underscored Lebanon's regional influence and lamented the political deadlock it is currently facing.

He stressed the importance of swiftly forming a government and removing political obstacles in Lebanon, highlighting positive consultations and discussions that have occurred in this regard.

Kanaani mentioned that these consultations with various political factions aim to foster a deeper understanding among those in leadership positions and assist in resolving Lebanon's pressing issues.

He reiterated that only the Lebanese people have the authority to select their government and president, emphasizing that foreign entities should not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs.

Read next: Iran FM meets officials in Beirut, says ready for economic cooperation

Recent developments in Bahrain

The spokesperson also mentioned that the Islamic Republic has received information about recent developments in Bahrain from various sources. However, Tehran expresses concern about the situation of Bahraini detainees and the hunger strike among prisoners. Therefore, "we call upon the Bahraini government to take immediate action and address the demands of the political prisoners," he said

As per the Iranian representative, subjecting detainees to pressure is absolutely unacceptable, as such actions go against human rights and established norms. Consequently, the ongoing situation and the prisoners' hunger strike are causes for concern, he added, stressing that Iran hopes that the Bahraini authorities will respond accordingly.

Read more: Bahraini political prisoners continue their hunger strike

 UNGA presence and global engagement

Commenting on recent speculations about undisclosed talks with neighboring countries, Kanaani made it clear that secret negotiations are a standard aspect of diplomacy. He emphasized that Iran is engaged in discussions within defined diplomatic frameworks with certain regional states, and the outcomes of these talks will be disclosed in due course. "This is a routine diplomatic procedure," he added.

Furthermore, he noted that Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to attend the upcoming annual United Nations General Assembly summit.

As per customary diplomatic protocol, Iran participates at the presidential level in such gatherings, and details regarding this participation will be made public in due course. Participation in UNGA meetings has always been and remains significant to the Islamic Republic, as the Iranian Spokesperson put it.

Kanaani stated that utilizing the opportunity presented by the UN General Assembly to engage in discussions and consultations with friendly nations, allied countries, and those who share common interests with Iran is a fundamental principle. "Iran is committed to participating in the meeting and will provide more information as this year's UNGA session approaches," he stressed.

Read more: Iran willing to establish friendly relations with neighbors: MFA