FM: Iran Is Serious in Reviving Nuclear Deal

A joint news conference of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the possibility of getting the Iran nuclear talks restarted. Abdollahian, who has favored train metaphors in the past in talking about the Vienna talks, once again said the goal is to get “back to the right track – I hope the train will move again.”

Abdollahian was keen to emphasize Iran’s willingness to engage on the process, saying they want a “good, strong, and lasting agreement” and are willing to take difficult steps as the process nears an end.

The problem, as ever, is the US, as Abdollahian said what was really needed was “realism” from the US side when approaching the finalization of the process, a willingness to compromise when a deal is so close.

Lavrov appeared to concur, saying the US has been trying to portray itself as “the leader in the nuclear talks.” and that they have delayed the process unilaterally as a result.

Talks have been stalled for months, before that indications were a deal might just be days away. The US has remained pessimistic since then, while Iran and the other parties are all willing to keep negotiating.