The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh stated, late on Monday, that his country is ready to engage in direct talks, without the third parties’ involvement, with Saudi Arabia to discuss ongoing issues between the two countries.
Speaking to the Iranian media, Khatibzadeh said that “I regret that Riyadh has not yet developed the courage to have dialogues outside the domain of the transregional powers. Riyadh still looks to other capitals outside the region.” The statement came as a response to the Saudi demand to join the talks between Iran and other global powers in the international conference, which has started today.
Touching upon the Saudi stance during the 2015 nuclear deal negotiations, the spokesperson defined it as destructive. Khatibzadeh offered Saudi Arabia to return to regional talks and said that “the region’s arms” are open to Saudis.
Mentioning the negotiations in Vienna as well, the spokesperson also said that the meeting aims to lift US sanctions against his country and reach an agreement about the fulfillment of obligations regulated under the 2015 nuclear deal. The spokesperson indicated that lifting US sanctions is a priority for his country to take steps for reversing its actions, which have been considered in defiance of the deal.
