Iran, US exchanging messages via EU in talks

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed regional and international developments in a phone conversation on Friday, including the situation in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, as well as the Vienna Talks, according to Tasnim News Agency.

Amir-Abdollahian blamed the US' maximum pressure campaign on the current situation while noting the continuation of the exchange of messages between Iran and the US via the EU in the talks. 

He also criticized the Biden administration, saying that reaching a lasting, robust and fair agreement requires a realistic decision by the US government to redress its past mistakes.

Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine

Amir-Abdollahian also discussed the temporary ceasefire in Yemen and said that the continuation of the truce is necessary, but stressed the importance of the removal of the blockade imposed on Yemen, and the fulfillment of the obligations of the ceasefire.

Iran's FM also discussed Afghanistan with Guterres, calling the country's humanitarian situation "very worrying", and stressed the need for the formation of an inclusive government in that country in which all ethnic groups can participate.

He also demanded that the UN fulfill its obligations regarding Afghan refugees, and deplored the rise of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, the problems that stem from poverty in the country, and highlighted the necessity of releasing frozen Afghan funds.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country's opposition to the war in Ukraine, noting Tehran's focus on a political solution and attention to the war's humanitarian aspects, while also stressing the importance of focusing on the humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.

Guterres

For his part, the UN Secretary-General thanked Iran for its constructive efforts to support the truce in Yemen, expressing hope that with the removal of all obstacles: “We will witness the resumption of flights from the Sana’a Airport and the reestablishment of link between Yemeni provinces and also the continuation of the ceasefire.”

Guterres welcomed the continuation of talks and efforts toward the normalization of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

He also appreciated Iran's constructive role in accepting Afghan refugees and providing them with humanitarian aid, and expressed hope that the UN fund will be able to provide more assistance to Iran in support of the refugees.

As for the Vienna Talks, Guterres said that he hopes the talks will continue and produce the desired results.