Iran Not Optimistic About US, EU3’ Intention in Vienna Talks: FM

In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi talked about various issues, from the bilateral ties and regional issues to the ongoing talks in Vienna for the revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and lifting of sanctions on Iran.

Congratulating Hayashi on his appointment as Japan’s foreign minister, Amirabdollahian conveyed the greetings of Iran’s president to high-ranking Japanese officials, according to the Foreign Ministry’s website.

He also thanked Japan for its humanitarian assistance in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, pointed to the presence of four million Afghan refugees in Iran, and said, “Fortunately, two and a half million Afghan refugees have been vaccinated so far, and Iran is ready to send Japanese humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.”

“Under these circumstances, all countries should rush to help the Afghan people and we are also ready to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by air or land,” he noted.

Amirabdollahian then reviewed various aspects of bilateral relations between Tehran and Tokyo and announced Iran’s readiness to expand relations in the economic, trade, humanitarian, environmental and health fields.

The Iranian foreign minister also touched on the nuclear talks in Vienna, underscoring that Iran welcomes serious talks and a good agreement and that the other sides must also show good faith in this regard.

Amirabdollahian said Iran has attended the Vienna talks with a firm resolve and a clear and logical agenda but it is not optimistic about the will and intention of the US and the European troika.

On the one hand, the US officials call for talks and say they want to return to the JCPOA, and on the other hand, they place new sanctions on Iranian individuals and companies, Amirabdollahian deplored.

He said what matters is that the negotiations produce results and the Western parties show their seriousness and good faith at the negotiating table and in practice.

For his part, the Japanese foreign minister said his country is ready to expand bilateral ties with Iran in the fields of health, environment and tourism.

Hayashi also welcomed the idea of sending Japan’s urgent relief aid to Afghanistan.

He also highlighted the importance of formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, respecting the rights of women and ethnic minorities, and also the importance of eradicating terrorism in that country.

The Japanese foreign minister then welcomed the beginning of the Vienna talks and called for both sides to show flexibility to reach a mutual agreement.

He finally extended the high-ranking Japanese officials' greetings to Iran’s president and invited Amirabdollahian to visit Japan.