On Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed the latest developments in the indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, commenting on circulated leaks regarding the negotiations and the details of Iran's return to the deal's constraints, stated: "We are still on the negotiation path, and we should not delve into details or anticipate outcomes before they become final." He added, "We have responded to European proposals with a responsible and positive outlook, and we have yet to receive a response from the American side. When the European mediator announces receipt of the response, we can discuss it, and we must not rely on unofficial leaks."
Kanaani explained, "We have made relatively significant progress to this stage, but the negotiations are a complete set, and all topics must be agreed upon. Until then, we cannot speak of any agreement or transition to another stage." He continued, "The remaining issues, though few, are important and crucial."
He noted, "Iran has been and remains serious and constructive, acting responsibly by responding to the European mediator's proposals, showing innovations, and demonstrating flexibility. However, the American side is procrastinating in providing a response. The U.S. government is responsible for the current situation regarding the nuclear agreement and for not implementing the agreement. When it shows political will in its actions, we can move on to the next phase," emphasizing that "Iran has expressed its desire to reach an agreement, and our negotiation team has participated with the aim of ensuring the interests of the people and has acted seriously and professionally."
Kanaani further stated, "Iran will not hold back its affairs waiting for the other party, and we will not tie our matters to negotiations. We consider sanction-lifting negotiations as one aspect of our foreign policy. The procrastination on the part of the U.S. and the failure of Europe to fulfill its commitments, alongside internal issues in the West, will not deter Iran from pursuing its rights," stressing that "if Iran needs the agreement, the American side and the European parties need it even more."
The spokesperson added, "We have shown complete seriousness for the agreement and have effectively proven that we are seeking it while maintaining our red lines. Tehran has stated that it seeks a good, robust, and sustainable agreement that secures the interests of the Iranian people in a lasting manner while ensuring the agreement's implementation on the ground. We will not be bitten by the same stone twice," adding, "Our foreign relations will not remain on hold waiting for the nuclear negotiations."
Regarding a timeline for the American response, Kanaani said, "The European mediator sets a time limit for the response. Our dealings in this regard have been responsible, and our response came within the designated timeframe, but the other party bears the responsibility due to America's procrastination and Europe's failure to fulfill its responsibilities."
In response to inquiries about the prisoner exchange issue with the United States, Nasser Kanaani said, "We view the prisoner exchange issue with America from a humanitarian perspective without linking it to the negotiations. We have negotiated this matter indirectly and outside the framework of the nuclear negotiations with Washington, and we believe that implementing the agreement in this regard was possible, but the American side has backtracked on implementation."
He added, "Our prisoners were held illegally and inhumanely on unfounded charges. We are still willing to proceed with the exchange. We continue to follow up on the release of our prisoners but emphasize that it is an independent matter and not linked to the nuclear agreement and negotiations, and we hope to see progress in this regard," noting that "a specific number of prisoners were discussed during negotiations on this matter."
