UN Chief Backs Nuclear Diplomacy

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need for the resumption of nuclear negotiations, expressing the international body’s support for dialogue as a consolidating principle. 
He made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday, where he described Iran as a “very influential country” among UN member states, ISNA reported. 
Talks are underway in the Austrian capital, Vienna, to revive the 2015 nuclear deal that has been unravelling since the United States pulled out in 2018 and Iran rowed back on its commitments in response to the reimposition of sanctions. 
The negotiations have been at a pause since June, following the presidential elections in Iran which brought conservative Ebrahim Raeisi to power. 
Amir-Abdollahian said the Iranian government is reviewing the situation around the Vienna talks. 
“Unfortunately the Americans are making a miscalculation by maintaining their illegal sanctions and presume that they can use them as negotiating leverage,” he said.   
He said the negotiating sides must attend the talks with a realistic view and take the rights and interests of the Iranian nation into serious consideration.
“Only negotiations that can produce a tangible result are acceptable to us,” he added.
The two also discussed the chaotic situation in Afghanistan following the US irresponsible exit. 
Guterres thanked Iran for its generous welcoming of Afghan refugees, stressing the UN’s commitment to support the country’s efforts in hosting the displaced population.
Amir-Abdollahian voiced serious concern about the new wave of refugees, calling for the assistance of relevant UN organizations.  
He also expressed Iran’s readiness to cooperate with the UN secretary-general to work out a political resolution for Afghanistan’s current situation through UN-led meetings with foreign ministers of the country’s other neighbors. 
Sharing his worries about terrorist activities in Afghanistan and the region, he described the exploitation of terrorism by some world powers as a main obstacle to peace and stability in this region. 
The foreign minister underlined the need for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of all ethnic groups. 
“War and violence must not govern Afghanistan,” he said. 

No Alteration 

Amir-Abdollahian held another phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Thursday, in which the two discussed a range of topics, including nuclear negotiations and Afghanistan’s crisis. 
Referring to the Vienna talks, Lavrov said, “Russia, like Iran, would not accept any alteration to the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as the deal is formally called] and demands the full implementation of the nuclear agreement.” 
The US has reportedly demanded the addition of extra phrases to the original deal, a request categorically turned down by Iran. 
The two diplomats also stressed the need for an inclusive national government in Afghanistan with a share for all factions.
The Afghan issue was a main topic of discussion as well between Amir-Abdollahian and visiting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Thursday. 
“The US is responsible for the pain and suffering of the Afghan people,” the Iranian diplomat said, reiterating that only an inclusive government could bring stability back to this country. 
The two later discussed other bilateral, regional and international issues during their meeting. 
Amir-Abdollahian held a separate phone conversation with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, on Thursday. 
They reviewed the latest regional development and called for continued consultations on bilateral, regional and international issues.
Highlighting close and lasting Tehran-Abu Dhabi relations, they also shared the positive view of both countries’ leaders about expansion of ties.