Iran Has Never Rejected Rights-Based Negotiations, Says Araghchi
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran has never rejected negotiations based on respect for the country’s legal rights and the legitimate interests of its people.
Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation on Friday with Yvette Cooper, Britain’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the two sides exchanged views on a range of bilateral issues, including consular matters. They underscored the importance of maintaining consultations at various levels to enhance mutual understanding and to follow up on issues of shared interest.
During the call, Araghchi criticized what he described as the irresponsible approach of three European countries—Britain, France and Germany—toward Iran’s nuclear issue. He reiterated that Tehran has never ruled out negotiations conducted on the basis of respect for Iran’s lawful rights and legitimate national interests. However, he stressed that Iran firmly rejects any talks that amount to one-sided imposition or undermine its nuclear rights.
For her part, Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s position that diplomacy remains essential in addressing Iran’s nuclear file and resolving related concerns through dialogue.
