Geneva: Tehran has dispatched a comprehensive delegation to Geneva for the second round of negotiations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei says, stressing that Iran sees no benefit in prolonging the talks. In an exclusive interview with IRNA published shortly before the Iranian delegation's departure for Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, Baqaei stated that Iran is attending the negotiations with a full team comprising political, legal, economic, and technical experts.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei emphasized that Tehran aims to conclude the negotiations quickly and has ensured the presence of all necessary specialists in Geneva. He noted that the discussions are being conducted under conditions of suspicion and mistrust, drawing from past experiences that Iran cannot overlook. The positions are advanced within frameworks defined by higher authorities, with the diplomatic apparatus playing its natural role in drafting guidelines.
Baqaei explained that the Geneva talks will continue discussions previously held in Oman, expressing hope that the negotiations will secure the country's interests. He mentioned Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani's recent diplomatic consultations in Muscat and Doha, where the negotiations were among the topics discussed.
The spokesman reiterated Iran's commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), affirming the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy under Article 4 of the treaty, including enrichment. He acknowledged the impact of the 12-day war imposed by Israel and the US on Iran, which altered certain aspects of the situation. Despite these challenges, the subject of discussion remains the nuclear issue.
Baqaei criticized the other side for using 'illegal means' to achieve objectives, emphasizing that the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities was unjustifiable. He also pointed out the shifting and contradictory US positions, which complicate the talks. However, he noted a shift towards greater realism in the US stance on Iran's nuclear issue.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Baqaei stressed that Iran's people are under pressure from unjust sanctions, and logic dictates lifting these sanctions as soon as possible. He reaffirmed Iran's result-oriented approach to the diplomatic process, emphasizing the importance of time in reaching an agreement.