TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian hit out at U.S. inaction in Vienna talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal and removing sanctions on Tehran, reiterating the Islamic Republic’s resolve to strike a robust deal.
In a telephone conversation late Sunday, the top Iranian diplomat and his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavisto discussed the latest regional and international developments, relations between Tehran and Helsinki, and the crisis in Ukraine.
Amir-Abdollahian decried the U.S. government’s failure to take a decision on the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), even as Iran is serious and resolute about reaching a “good, strong and sustainable agreement”.
He also pointed to a visit by the Finnish foreign minister to Tehran in February, voicing Iran’s readiness to implement the agreements reached during the visit and promote cooperation with Finland.
On the military conflict in Ukraine, Amir-Abdollahian expressed Iran’s opposition to war and invited the warring sides to hold dialogue to end the conflict, describing diplomacy and negotiations as the solution to the crisis.
The foreign minister also expressed Iran’s support the ceasefire in Yemen, calling for the full removal of the Saudi-led blockade on the Arab country and resolution the crisis through Yemeni-Yemeni talks.
For his part, Haavisto hoped for an agreement to be reached in Vienna.
He also hailed the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Finland and Iran, stressing the need to enhance relations and cooperation with Tehran.
The Finnish minister also expressed hope that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and assistance from other countries, including Iran, would help resolve the crisis.