Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, announced on Monday the country's readiness to participate in indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through the involvement of mediators.
Kanaani made these comments during a press conference in Tehran while addressing the prospects of discussions between Iran and the other signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), aimed at its revival and the removal of sanctions against Iran.
He emphasized that Iran remains committed to pursuing diplomatic channels to lift sanctions and is prepared to engage in negotiations. Kanaani stressed that Iran will utilize any available diplomatic opportunities to facilitate the removal of what he described as "harsh" sanctions, ultimately paving the way for a "mutually committed return" by all parties, including the United States, to the JCPOA.
Kanaani also highlighted that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, accompanied by a high-level delegation, departed Tehran for New York on Sunday to participate in the UNGA meetings. He characterized the trip as a valuable opportunity for holding meetings and conducting negotiations.
In addition to delivering an address at the UNGA session, the Iranian president is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with various foreign leaders and partake in multiple meetings on the sidelines of the main event.
The JCPOA, signed in July 2015, involved Iran agreeing to limit aspects of its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the accord in May 2018 and reinstated unilateral sanctions against Iran, leading Iran to reduce its nuclear commitments under the agreement.
Negotiations regarding the revival of the JCPOA commenced in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria. Despite multiple rounds of talks, significant progress has yet to be achieved, with the last round concluding in August 2022 without a major breakthrough.
