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The Takeaway: Iran’s mixed messages include diplomatic opening for Biden

Iran escalates tensions in Trump’s final days, while Zarif opens window to diplomacy; Israel, Palestinians, Gulf ready themselves for Biden; Woman coaches Egyptian men’s soccer team; More mummies in Egypt!
US President-elect Joe Biden speaks with outside diplomatic, intelligence, and defense experts to discuss readiness at the relevant agencies during a video meeting in Wilmington, Delaware on November 17, 2020. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran risks escalation in Iraq, fires diplomatic flare for 'veteran politician' Biden

No need for negotiations. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said if the incoming Biden administration revokes “only three executive orders” that imposed sanctions on Iran, there is no need for “preconditions or negotiations” on a return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal). If the United States ends sanctions, “Iran will carry out its obligations too,” Zarif said.

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