Washington, September 11: Even though Iran’s latest proposal for talks with the West does not address the concerns of United States about its nuclear program, US has said it is willing to engage Iran in direct diplomacy on mutual respect and interest and is seeking a willing partner.
“We are willing to engage Iran in direct diplomacy based on mutual respect and mutual interests, and we seek a willing partner. But I think that as we consult with our P5+1 colleagues, we will be looking to see how ready Iran is to actually engage, and we will be testing that willingness to engage in the next few weeks,” Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, P J Crowley, said.
Mr. Crowley said in its invitation sent to the US where Iran reiterated its view that, as far as it is concerned, its nuclear file is closed.
“And as (the US Ambassador to IAEA) Glyn Davies said very clearly on Thursday (in Vienna), that is certainly not the case. There are many outstanding issues. Iran has failed to meet its obligations and has failed to cooperate sufficiently with the IAEA,” Mr. Crowley said.
“So we remain open to direct dialogue with Iran. If we can get to that point, we would expect to engage on the full range of issues, including our concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” he said.
—PTI