US State Department: Our Priority is Resuming Constructive Talks for Swift and Reciprocal Return to JCPOA

As negotiations to revive Iran’s nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, continue in Vienna, a spokesman for the US State Department says America’s priority is resuming constructive talks for a swift return to the nuclear agreement.

A US State Department spokesman, in a written response to Kamiz Tavana, correspondent for the Farsi service of Voice of America, said: “Our priority is resuming constructive talks in a manner where all parties are working toward a swift and reciprocal return to full compliance with JCPOA commitments.”

The US State Department spokesman added: “It is still too early to say whether Iran has returned to talks in a more constructive manner or not.”

Enrique Mora, coordinator of JCPOA revival negotiations, said on December 27th at the end of the JCPOA Joint Commission meeting in Vienna that it is time for political decisions to be made by Tehran and Washington, and there is not much time left to reach a result.

At a press conference following the end of the Joint Commission meeting, Mr. Mora rejected reports that the US and European countries have set a deadline of late January or early February to conclude negotiations, but said: “Everyone agrees that action must be taken in a short period of time, which means a few weeks.”

This round of the eighth negotiation phase will continue through Thursday, December 30th in Vienna, and after a three-day break at the end of the year due to the arrival of the new year, will resume on Monday, January 3rd in Vienna.

The United States of America, while emphasizing “diplomacy” as the best solution for addressing Iran’s nuclear program, has stated that in the absence of seriousness and good faith on the part of the Islamic Republic, it will resort to “other options.”

Source: Voice of America