On the ties between Iran and Azerbaijan Republic, Khatibzadeh said that Tehran-Baku relations have been ongoing at different levels and would continue as it was, adding that these ties don’t need regrettable statements.
He said that Iran didn’t see the treatment with Iranian truck drivers within neighborly framework and Baku officials should watch their treatment of Iranian citizens.
On Tehran’s considerations regarding ties with Baku, Khatibzadeh noted that the most important thing was the Israeli measures from Azerbaijani soil against Iran and Tehran has informed Baku that they shouldn’t let their soil be exploited by a third party.
Asked about Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s statement that the US could release Iran’s blocked funds to show good faith on talks to revive the JCPOA, the spokesman underlined that the US must show that its approach and action have changed.
They cannot keep Iran’s funds blocked and make statements on the plaintiff side, he stressed, adding that the US could show good faith in different ways, including releasing Iran’s funds.
On the presence of terrorist groups in Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Khatibzadeh warned that Erbil and Baghdad must know that Iran’s strategic patience has a limit and this path couldn’t continue anymore.
He went on to elaborate that Iran couldn’t sit and watch terrorist groups establish bases in Iraqi soil and train forces to attack Iran, as this contradicts international law and Erbil and Baghdad must undertake their legal responsibilities.
On Tehran-Riyadh talks to normalize relations, Khatibzadeh said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have exchanged messages and held talks in Baghdad and they were trying to reach a stable relationship in a mutually agreed framework.
He didn’t confirm reports claiming that a Saudi delegation paid a visit to Iran to reopen Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran.
He said that the talks focused on bilateral ties; however, Tehran and Riyadh have discussed regional issues, too.
Asked if Iran had no ‘plan b’ for nuclear talks, Khatibzadeh underlined that no reliable government in the world would ignore different plans and it was Iran’s ‘plan b and c’ that happened to make them ponder, but everyone should focus on plan a.
Noting that the JCPOA has no interesting alternative, the diplomat said that the deal has become an international document through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which was violated along with the JCPOA itself by the US.
He also explained that the term ‘soon’ for the beginning of talks meant that Iran would start negotiations as soon as it concludes reviewing of the previous six rounds of talks.
However, according to Khatibzadeh, Iran has announced that it would definitely continue talks.
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