The U.S. State Department confirmed on Monday that the United States will only lift its sanctions against Iran through diplomatic channels. State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that Washington is ready to continue the Vienna talks, but Tehran has requested more time.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh had tweeted on Sunday that an agreement exists between Iran, Britain, and the U.S. to exchange the release of 10 prisoners, stating that this agreement is not linked to negotiations or the nuclear deal. He noted that this exchange was agreed upon in Vienna, as part of a separate accord from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, clarifying that discussions are focused on releasing 10 prisoners. He announced his country’s readiness to implement what has been agreed upon.
This comes at a time of anticipation regarding the future of the Vienna talks, which began in early April in an effort to revive the nuclear agreement through reciprocal concessions between Tehran and Washington. Reports indicated that the Vienna negotiations have entered a critical phase, and their future is tied to reviews by elected Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi. It was noted that discussions are suspended until early September.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had called on major powers to postpone the Vienna talks until the new administration under President Ibrahim Raisi assumes office in Iran. The official, who also leads the Iranian negotiating delegation, stated on Twitter that the country is in a transitional phase following the elections and that the power transfer should be awaited. He mentioned that it is possible to exchange 10 prisoners with the U.S. and Britain if the countries fulfill their commitments, according to his words.
