IRAN READY FOR NUCLEAR TALKS IN TURKEY

Iran is ready to hold talks with the major powers concerned about its nuclear programme “as soon as possible” and Turkey may be the best venue for negotiations

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August 16, 2022

Iran is ready to hold talks with the major powers concerned about its nuclear programme “as soon as possible” and Turkey may be the best venue for negotiations. It was the strongest signal yet of Iranian interest in reviving talks that stalled a year ago, leading to tighter international sanctions against Iran over its refusal to curb its nuclear work and make it more accessible to UN inspections. “We have told our Turkish friends that we are in agreement with regard to holding these talks in Turkey,” Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told a news conference. The “P5+1” powers – the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain, all permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany – have offered talks on November 15-17 in Vienna, an approach welcomed by Iran but not formally agreed to. Iran has sent mixed signals over a resumption of talks. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed the sanctions as no more effective than a “used handkerchief.” He has demanded the six powers state whether they come to the table as Iran’s friend or foe, and that they express their opinion of Israel’s alleged nuclear arsenal – topics Western diplomats have said are irrelevant to the main issue in talks. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Mottaki had been in touch to suggest holding talks there. “We said to Iranian officials that as Turkey we are ready to do our best in that regard. But there is no decision yet regarding the exact timing and place of the talks,” an official said.