State Dept Spokesman Invites Iran to Bilateral Talks

Confirms Offer in Interview with Iranian Media

In an interview with Iranian media, US State Department spokesman Alan Eyre confirmed that he is offering bilateral talks between the US and Iranian governments

Mysteriously, the interview was posted on Fars News, the Iranian outlet’s website, and then removed almost immediately thereafter. Persian language versions remain on several other Iranian sites, and the State Department confirmed its authenticity.

The US seems willing to talk, but loathe to admit its willingness, which likely suggests the lack of any publicity for the offer by the State Department, beyond confirming it when pressed on the matter.

The offer comes immediately after a new, bizarre round of US sanctions against Iran, including a wholesale ban on the importation of coal, bauxite, and virtually anything made of metal. The move reflects that even when the US is willing to talk, there is a lot of momentum toward continuing hostility.

Last 5 posts by Jason Ditz

Foreign ISIS Fighters Left in Raqqa Face 'Certain Death' - October 22nd, 2017
US-Made Vehicles Led Iraqi Invasion of Kurdish Town - October 22nd, 2017
Niger Ambush Serves as Excuse for AFRICOM to Seek More Funds - October 22nd, 2017
Catalan Leaders Vow to Resist Spain's Attempted Takeover - October 22nd, 2017
Spain Seeks Huge Power Transfer in Trying to Oust Catalan Leadership - October 22nd, 2017

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz

Click here to hide comments

RickR30

Good, about time. We'll have to see first if israel approves though.
mojo

Perhaps is about time for state department, once again, looking throw the notes made by Hillary Clinton to see what was it that she didn't misjudge, made a mistake, and wrongfully bet on her last political bet on regime change in Syria. It is also needs to be said that a moderate government is replacing Ahmadinejad hard line attitude toward the west, although to some point he was right on his judgment, but the new government is willing to compromise, is just that the Iranian shouldn't compromise to much of what they have and what they have achieved, Libyan leader, Kaddafi compromised and see what they did to him.
An offer intended to be rejected

> “The offer comes immediately after a new, bizarre round of US sanctions against Iran, including a wholesale ban on the importation of coal, bauxite, and virtually anything made of metal. The move reflects that even when the US is willing to talk, there is a lot of momentum toward continuing hostility.”

Actions speak louder than words. Washington pretends to seek conciliation while continuing and deepening its economic warfare and support for terrorist attacks on Iran. Washington’s words and promises are worthless lies and the world knows it. No doubt these supposed moves toward “reconciliation” are intended to provide a “we tried, but Iran left us no choice” smokescreen when Tel Aviv parasites finally order its Amerikan minions to attack and destroy Iran.
Guest

This is an offer from just ONE spokesman. He is not representative of the other factions regarding Iran within the US government. This mature sounding, much needed, and very quiet proposal will meet fierce opposition from the numerous childish adventurers in the State Dept. and elsewhere in the US government who prefer killing, by guns or by sanctions, to talking about the issues directly.