Iran says 'time not ripe' for negotiations with US
Tehran has said Washington's proposed inclusion in negotiations over reviving the Iran nuclear deal cannot work unless the United States lifts sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Spokesperson for the Iranian government Ali Rabiee has said the “time is not ripe” for the United States to join meetings over the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
At a virtual briefing in Tehran March 2, Rabiee referred to recent diplomatic gestures and proposals from the European signatories to the JCPOA as well as Washington’s declared willingness to join the table.
“Washington’s claims about its belief in diplomacy are but hypocritical and unacceptable rhetoric unless it removes sanctions against Iran,” Rabiee declared. He described the current status of the nuclear deal as a “deadlock” caused by the United States.
“The least Washington could do is a gesture of goodwill to comply with its obligations under Resolution 2231.” The resolution was an attachment to the JCPOA, from which former US President Donald Trump pulled out in 2018. “The [Joe] Biden administration cannot act like that of Trump and expect better outcomes,” Rabiee added.
