Kerry: Window for Iran Diplomacy Opening Up
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Ahead of nuclear talks between Iran and the six major world powers, US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed optimism about the possibility of a diplomatic settlement of the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear energy program.
"Right now, the window for diplomacy is cracking open," Kerry said on Sunday in an address to a conference held by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
"While we seek a peaceful resolution to Iran's nuclear program, words must be matched with actions," said Kerry.
The US official added, however, that the US, in any deal with Iran, is mindful of Israel “security needs.”
“And I believe firmly that no deal is better than a bad deal,” he said.
Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Russia, China, France, Britain, and the US -- plus Germany are scheduled to hold talks in Geneva on October 15-16, Press TV reported.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who is a member of Iran’s negotiating team, said on Sunday the Islamic Republic will “dispel all the logical concerns” of the other negotiating parties.
He noted that Iran seeks “purposeful and real” negotiations in Geneva and explained that Tehran would enter the talks with “seriousness and determination” in order to achieve a “specific goal” which would be acceptable to both sides.
The Iranian official added that the nation’s rights are the Islamic Republic’s red lines in the talks.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with the US and the European Union using the claim as an excuse to impose illegal sanctions against Tehran.
Iran categorically rejects the allegation, arguing that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
