Iran Press/Iran news: Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh, in his weekly presser on Monday, responded to the Iran Press question on Mohammad Javad Zarif’s trip to Persian Gulf countries, calling it in the framework of “Ramadan Diplomacy” which might continue with other Islamic countries too.
Khatibzadeh added that these trips to neighboring countries did not require a specific reason and had nothing to do with the Vienna talks.
"We always looking forward making good relations with neighboring countries and can have negotiations with them," Khatibzadeh noted.
Referring to the US delegation’s plan for traveling to the Persian Gulf region, Khatibzadeh said that what the US did base on its policies were related to itself, and Iran would not interfere in that.
Iran dismisses claims on prisoner swap with US
He referred to the media reports on prisoner swap between Iran and the United States, saying: "The prisoners are a humanitarian issue and have always been on Iran's agenda alongside the nuclear talks, and news from informed sources is not confirmed."
About the unfreezing of seven billion dollars of Iranian assets, Khatibzadeh said: "Our policy is the same policy that we have always said, and all of our assets should be unblocked at once."
Iran ready to hold talks with Saudi Arabia at all levels
He also pointed to the change of tone of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman towards Iran in his last TV interview, saying: "Changing the tone and the discourse will definitely help reduce tensions, but it will not have a practical result until it leads to a change in behavior."
"We are ready to talk to Saudi Arabia at all levels. The region and the nations of the two countries will see the result of these talks," the diplomat said.
Two initial texts at Vienna talks
He also said that the joint commission of JCPOA would resume its work on Friday.
The spokesman said the foreign ministry is mission-oriented. "In Vienna, it has moved in the same framework. In Vienna, all three working groups did serious work, and we have two initial texts, both on the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions. When the texts reach the writing stage, it requires some accuracy, and we move forward based on accuracy."
"We are in no hurry and will not allow the talks to be erosive within the framework of the JCPOA Commission. JCPOA framework is our base for the negotiation. It should not be implemented completely. We have clarified for all parties in the joint commission, and we are moving in the same direction in both areas.
No legal bilateral talks on Zaghari Dossier
Regarding the British statements on legal issues with Tehran on the release of Nazanin Zaghari, Khatibzadeh said: "There are no legal talks between the US and Britain in this regard, adding that the Judiciary must comment on the case. The British government has given Iran its views on various issues, and we have given clear answers."
Reaction to Biden's comments after meeting with Mossad chief
In response to the question about US President Joe Biden's statement after a meeting with the Mossad chief that "Washington had a long way to go before returning to the JCPOA," the Foreign Ministry spokesman underlined: "I have been quoted about the statements and what was said in the meetings. What is being drafted and the steps being written for the United States [to return to the JCPOA] must be done carefully."
In response to another question about Iranian frozen assets abroad, including South Korea, Saeed Khatibzadeh said: "Iran's money in other countries should be released, whether in South Korea and other countries. It is a definite matter."
What is happening in Afghanistan worries Iran
Khatibzadeh also referred to the developments in Afghanistan, saying: "We are closely following the developments in Afghanistan, and we are consulting with regional activists."
"We are concerned about what is happening in Afghanistan, and we have done our best for the peace and stability of Afghanistan. We are in contact with the Afghan government and other groups."
He also said that Iran would discuss participation in the Istanbul Summit in due course.
Neighbors and region, top priority for Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman regarding FM Zarif's trip to Iraq and the issue of Iran's assets said: "What we are talking about is Iran's access to all its resources, which must happen within the framework of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)."
Saeed Khatibzadeh added: "Zarif's trip to Iraq was part of his visit to the region. The message of the trip was that neighbors are always our priority. For Iran, the region is a top priority."
Yemen in the worst humanitarian situation
Regarding Zarif's visit to Oman and his meeting with Mohammad Abdul Salam, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "We are concerned about the developments in Yemen, and this country is in the worst humanitarian situation. What is happening in Ma'rib is not separate from the developments in Yemen."
"If there is a serious will to end this miserable humanitarian situation, the lifting of the siege at the same time as the nationwide ceasefire must happen in Yemen. Also, human access must be provided, and the Yemeni dialogue must be facilitated," Khatibzadeh said.
Vienna talks based on JCPOA
Khatibzadeh, about negotiations in Vienna, said: "What is Iran's definite position is that all sanctions should be lifted and all the results achieved so far have been within this framework. There are some differences between some people, individuals, and lists. What is written in JCPOA will be the criterion of our action, and we have nothing to do with American domestic policy."
All US commitments must be met by the US government, and how it implements them will depend on the country itself. The United States has proven that it did not adhere to any treaties and agreements under Trump, added Khatibzadeh.
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