Iran’s red lines observed in Vienna talks: Khatibzadeh
None of Iran's red lines have been abandoned in the Vienna discussions on reviving the JCPOA, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh (Tasnim)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters at a press conference on Monday that the Vienna discussions to save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and relieve sanctions on Iran had yet to produce a final document.
To emphasize that Iran's red lines have been respected in the nuclear talks, Khatibzadeh stressed that if it was not for Iran's persistence, the agreement would have been achieved months ago.
The official emphasized that the US has yet to demonstrate its commitment, stressing that what matters to Tehran is that the Iranian people benefit from the lifting of sanctions.
“We really don’t know whether we’d reach a deal or not, because the US has not still exhibited the necessary determination to reach an agreement,” he added.
When asked if the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force will still be sanctioned by the US after the discussions, Khatibzadeh responded, "The maximal pressures must be completely lifted." There are several subjects that remain unresolved. All components of the maximum pressure must be removed. Until that day, we will wait for Washington’s decision and move forward within the framework of the Iranian nation’s definite interests.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated in March that the West's rush to reach an agreement through the Vienna negotiations will not pressure Tehran to abandon its red lines.
The Vienna talks between Iran and the other parties to the Iran deal began in April on the assumption that the United States, under Joe Biden's administration, would be willing to rejoin the JCPOA.
Former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 in order to pursue illegal "maximum pressure" sanctions against Iran.
Read more: Amir-Abdollahian: Ready to sign nuclear agreement if red lines are observed by the West
Earlier, nearly 200 Iranian lawmakers urged the administration to press for stronger guarantees during the Vienna talks to resurrect the 2015 nuclear deal, insisting that the country's red lines be respected during the talks.
More than 190 parliamentarians have signed the letter, which urges President Ebrahim Raisi to ensure that the parties involved in the Vienna talks provide stronger guarantees to Iran.
Iran has stated that it will not accept anything less than the complete removal of all US sanctions in a verifiable manner. It also wants assurances that Washington will not withdraw from the agreement again.
