JCPOA doesn’t need mediator: Khatbzadeh

Speaking at a weekly press conference on Monday, Khatibzadeh reacted to recent remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron that he is ready to mediate between Iran and the US on the issue of the 2015 nuclear deal and said, “The nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) doesn’t need a mediator. Everything is clearly stated in this international agreement”.

“The Islamic Republic has created a due atmosphere for the US and the Europeans to return to the deal. The United States must return to full compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 in order to return the JCPOA,” he added.

“The US was the party to leave the negotiation table and the JCPOA. We wait for the other side to fully fulfill its commitments; then, we will follow the path of returning to our obligations,” Khatibzadeh went on to say.

“Europe can have a constructive role and can correct its previous mistakes,” he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Khatibzadeh highlighted Iran’s role and position in the settlement of the crisis in Yemen and said, “Tehran’s four-point plan to ensure peace in Yemen is still a viable option”.

“Iran’s proposal entails a cessation of hostilities in Yemen, immediate medical aids, inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni talks, and the subsequent formation of an inclusive government,” he added.

“There will be no peace in Yemen unless the foreign governments facilitate that process. The Saudi invasion is the root cause of Yemen’s crisis,” the spokesman stated.

Asked whether Iraqi foreign minister carried a message to Iran, Khatibzadeh said the visit took place as part of a chain of consultations between the two countries.

“During the visit, the two sides reviewed the process of implementation of bilateral agreements and the legal procedures for the culprits behind the assassination of the IRGC commander Lt General Qassem Soleimani,” he said.

Pointing to the current trip of Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Moscow, Khatibzadeh said the speaker is scheduled to hold constructive meetings with senior Russian officials amid this critical situation.

“Ghalibaf is carrying an important message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei for President Vladimir Putin during his trip to Russia,” he added.

Khatibzadeh explained that the possible meeting between the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Parliament Speaker was canceled only due to pandemic situation and the need to observe related protocols.