Iran to continue nuclear talks seriously: Zarif

Iran will seriously continue nuclear talks with the world powers despite the recent “improper measures” taken by the U.S., Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday.
“We will seriously continue the Geneva negotiations, albeit we will show proper, measured, purposeful, and smart responses to any improper and unconstructive action, even those which are not in violation of the agreement,” Zarif wrote on his Facebook page.

“Over the past few days, the Americans took certain improper measures and we responded in an appropriate and calculated form,” he added.

The United States on Thursday blacklisted a number of additional companies and people under sanctions for “providing support” to Iran’s nuclear energy program.

Zarif also noted that certain people, “who were not happy with the Geneva deal, have announced the premature death of the deal” and this only reflects their wish not the reality on the ground.

“Leading negotiations to achieve tangible results are difficult and definitely have many ups and downs, which we had foreseen from the outset,” the Iranian minister said.

He went on to say that he does not consider it in the public interest to publicly respond to “certain issues” raised against his team for the time being and noted that the negotiators have an important responsibility of pursuing “national interests.”

Zarif added that he will respond to all ambiguities and objections at the right time.

Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) clinched a deal in Geneva on November 24 according to which Iran agreed to offer a number of concessions in exchange for limited relief from the sanctions imposed on the country. The deal was designed to provide time for negotiations on a final settlement of Iran’s nuclear issue and end all sanctions against Iran.