Iran’s Deputy FM: Talks with Europe Will Continue
WANA (Aug 15) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Political and International Studies Center, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated in an interview that Tehran has decided to continue negotiations with European countries, while emphasizing the need to remain cautious to prevent misuse of the process as a foreign policy tool.
Continuation of Nuclear Talks
Khatibzadeh addressed recent discussions between Iran and the E3 countries (Germany, France, and the United Kingdom) in Istanbul, saying the meetings were “cordial and direct” and focused on issues of shared concern.
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to engage in these discussions,” Khatibzadeh said, expressing gratitude to the Turkish government, including President Erdogan and the Foreign Ministry, for hosting the talks. He added that Turkey’s role reflects Tehran’s trust in Ankara as a venue for important diplomatic dialogue.
Regarding the future of the talks, Khatibzadeh said, “We have decided to continue, and we will do so. But we must be careful and vigilant to ensure that no one exploits this issue as a tool in their foreign policy toolbox.”
He also stressed that while Iran initially exercised “strategic patience” in response to promises of compensation from European partners following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, Europe failed to take meaningful steps, prompting Iran to reduce some of its commitments under the nuclear deal.
Turkey’s Role
Khatibzadeh highlighted Turkey’s crucial role in facilitating the negotiations, noting that Iran could rely on Ankara to host such high-level sessions in the future if necessary.
Response to Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Sites
On recent attacks targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Khatibzadeh accused Israel and the United States of coordinated aggression. “The real objective was not only our nuclear sites but also the assassination of senior Iranian commanders,” he said, adding that these strikes violated international law and targeted facilities under continuous International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring.
He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear rights: “Iran is ready to defend its right to a peaceful nuclear program. A significant portion of our resources and energy is dedicated to this peaceful effort, and no one can deprive us of it.”
Iran and the European Troika. Social media/ WANA News Agency
