The U.S. government indicated that it is prepared to engage in "urgent" direct negotiations with Iran regarding the nuclear deal. In a surprising development, the AFP news agency reported that Washington is ready to enter direct and urgent talks with Tehran. This U.S. move coincides with Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdollahian's announcement that his country is willing to negotiate jointly with the United States if necessary to achieve a "good" nuclear deal.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson told AFP that "direct meetings will allow for more effective communication, which is urgent for reaching an understanding quickly," warning that "we no longer have much time to reach an understanding." The chief U.S. nuclear negotiator stated to Reuters on Sunday that it is unlikely that the U.S. will reach an agreement with Iran to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal unless Tehran releases four American citizens whom Washington claims are being held hostage.
U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley reiterated the long-standing U.S. position that the issue of the four individuals detained in Iran is separate from the nuclear negotiations. However, he came closer to implying that their release is a prerequisite for reaching a nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, Iran has criticized European countries, affirming that it will not make concessions, suggesting a potential continuation of negotiation stalemates.
