The European Union’s diplomatic chief Josep Borrell said Friday he was “ready” to meet Iranian leaders in Brussels as part of efforts to revive the faltering 2015 nuclear deal, but warned Tehran it was time to fully return to the negotiating table.
Wrapping up a trip to Washington, Borrell also brushed aside the notion of a “Plan B,” or a possible military option as suggested this week by the United States and Israel, should Tehran fail to rejoin the accord aimed at keeping it from developing nuclear weapons.
“I know that the Iranians want to have some kind of previous talks with me as coordinator and with some members of the board of the JCPOA,” Borrell told reporters, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the deal is formally known.
“I’m ready, I’m ready to do that,” said Borrell. “But time is pressing.”
EU envoy Enrique Mora was in Tehran Thursday to press for a firm date for resuming talks on the deal between the Islamic republic and world powers, which have stalled since June.
Tehran said following the discussions that Iran and the EU had agreed to hold further dialogue in Brussels within days.
“I cannot tell you a precise date. I am ready to receive them, if needed,” said Borrell, who met a day earlier with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with Iran on the agenda.
“I don’t say this is absolutely needed but you know I have to have a certain strategic patience on this issue, because we cannot afford to fail,” he added. READ MORE
EU czar agrees to discuss nuke talks with Iran, but warns clock is ticking https://amos37.com/eu-czar-agrees-to-discuss-nuke-talks-with-iran-but-warns-clock-is-ticking/
| Josh Toupos |
