Amid continued speculation about the future of Iran’s nuclear dossier and the role of regional and international actors, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry claimed that no direct talks are under way between Tehran and Washington.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, referring to rumors about Russia’s role and mediation in possible consultations with the United States, stressed that as long as no negotiations with the American side have taken place in the first place, discussing the review of their details with Moscow or any other country is moot.
While announcing that the Islamic Republic would not retreat from its positions on this dossier, he nonetheless confirmed that the nuclear issue had been discussed and exchanged views on during recent meetings with the Russian foreign minister.
The Foreign Ministry’s new position appears to emphasize continuity with its previous policy more than offering an opening for resolving the impasse in nuclear diplomacy. This comes as the main challenge facing the nuclear dossier is not limited solely to the stalemate between Tehran and Washington; rather, society and public opinion are more than ever awaiting clarification from the authorities regarding the serious economic and social consequences and costs that the continuation of these tensions has imposed on the livelihoods and future of the Iranian people.
