Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman: Biden failed to take different path

Talking to reports during his weekly briefing on Monday, Khatibzadeh added that Bagheri conveyed Iran’s message to the coordinator of the negotiations and the two sides agreed to continue talks in Brussels in the next few days.  He noted that this agreement was bilateral. 

Khatibzadeh said in Brussels, Iran and the other parties must hold talks over the challenges and obstacles they failed to resolve in Vienna. 

Khatibzadeh added that the talks will be pursued by the Foreign Ministry and the members of the negotiating team will be introduced. 

He noted that the meeting in Brussels will be the continuation of the talks over issues raised in Tehran. Khatibzadeh said the continuation of talks by Iran is a final decision, adding that Iran insists all sides return to full compliance with the nuclear deal unconditionally and under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and all anti-Iran sanctions be lifted. 

He also referred to the Biden administration’s failure to make good on its promise to go down a different path than that taken by former US president Donald Trump.

Khatibzadeh also said during his weekly briefing that Iran will not tolerate the presence of the Zionist regime near its borders.

“From the southern region of the Persian Gulf to the regions north of Iran…, wherever the occupying regime has gone, you can see this (insecurity). We have told our neighbors in a friendly way and through various channels that Iran does not tolerate the presence of the Zionist regime near its borders and we are not joking with anyone in this regard,” the foreign ministry spokesman said.

Iran has in recent months stepped up warnings about the presence of Israeli elements on its northwestern border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Khatibzadeh also touched on the recent parliamentary election in Iraq saying Tehran welcomes democratic elections there.

“We have always welcomed elections; what is happening in Iraq is being followed by the Iraqi people and parties,” he added.

Later during the briefing, he referred to recent terrorist attacks against mosques in Afghanistan which left scores of people dead.

“We are in contact with all parties in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. The Taliban have a direct and special responsibility for peace, stability and tranquility of the people and the safety of all groups and minorities including Hazaras and Shias… we have heard from the Taliban and other parties that they are doing their best to prevent such incidents from happening again,” Khatibzade stated.