Iran MP rejects call for Arab role in nuclear talks

A senior Iranian lawmaker has dismissed a demand by certain Persian Gulf Arab states to take part in nuclear talks between Tehran and six major world powers, as another plot by the US and the four European members of the Sextet.

“I think this request is something new that makes me wonder on what basis or principle they want to participate in the nuclear talks,” said Ismail Kosari who sits on the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran’s Majlis.

The reason why Iran is negotiating with the Sextet (comprising the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, Britain, Russia, China and France – plus Germany) is that they are members of the UN Security Council which currently handles Iran’s nuclear dossier, the MP further explained.

However, he said, a probe should be launched into why some Arab countries which are not part of the decision-making process have demanded to attend the talks.

“Our diplomats should investigate the issue,” the parliamentarian emphasized.

Commenting on the potential reasons for US-backed Qatar to raise the issue, Kosari speculated that it may be a scheme by the US and the four European members of the Sextet, urging Iranian authorities to handle the matter with care, “since the Arab countries which have demanded to attend [the talks] are not in a position [to make such a demand].”

This is the first time since ten years ago when the nuclear talks began that Arab countries have demanded to take part in the negotiations, the legislator underlined.

Beside Qatar, Saudi Arabia has also called for the all-Arab members of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) be part of the negotiations between Iran and the six major world powers.

PGCC, which consists of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The development comes following state visits to four Persian Gulf nations of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates by Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif last week to reassure them on the interim nuclear agreement in Geneva and to urge closer ties between Iran and the Arab states.