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The Takeaway: US envoy: Iran ‘missing good opportunities’ to talk with Washington

Highlights: Hook says there is no national security argument for letting UN arms embargo on Iran expire; Bibi goes for broke on Iran; Iraqi PM vows to bring Hashemi’s killers to justice; Baalbeck Festival offers inspiration to Lebanon.

US special representative for Iran Brian Hook (L) performs an elbow shake with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R), clad in face mask bearing the US and Israeli flags, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on June 30, 2020. (Photo by ABIR SULTAN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ABIR SULTAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
US special representative for Iran Brian Hook (L) performs an elbow shake with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R), clad in face mask bearing the US and Israeli flags, at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on June 30, 2020 — Abir Sultan/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
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The Lead: US envoy for Iran repeats offer for direct talks to explore Trump’s offer of “bigger deal”
 
 
 

The US special envoy for Iran, Brian Hook, told Al-Monitor that Iran is “missing good opportunities” by refusing direct talks with the United States.

 

Door for diplomacy “wide open.” In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor’s “On the Middle East” podcast, Hook, who also serves as special adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said he hopes the prospects are good for further prisoner exchanges with Iran and perhaps progress on other issues as well. But despite repeated offer of direct talks, Iran won’t come to the table.

 

“I have requested a consular in-person dialogue with the regime,” Hook said, adding that he doesn't believe Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has provided his diplomats with a mandate for direct negotiations.

 

Until there are such talks, Hook said, the US will rely on the good offices and mediation of the government of Switzerland, which represents US interests in Tehran.

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