Diplomat: Zionists, Some Regional Countries after Impeding N. Talks


Diplomat: Zionists, Some Regional Countries after Impeding N. Talks

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A member of the Iranian team of nuclear negotiators said Wednesday that Zionists, along with some regional countries, are making every effort to impede the progress of nuclear talks between Iran and the G5+1 ahead of a new round of such negotiations on Thursday.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the top diplomat said that the Zionists have set in motion their extensive lobbying machine aimed at bringing nuclear talks to a stand-still, and that some of the regional countries have aligned their policies with Israel in that regard.

"From the very beginning Iran announced it was ready to quickly address the nuclear issue, the Zionist lobbyists panicked and exerted pressure on the US administration and Congress to keep the sanctions and hold on to the military option against Iran," he added.

"Since the Zionists have neither the capability nor the courage to directly confront Iran, they have pleaded with America to do so... The enemies want to make the region tense and insecure and mount pressure on Iran so as to stymie the realization of full potentials of the country," the diplomat said.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for international pressure on Iran's nuclear program to be "maintained and even increased" ahead of a second round of nuclear negotiations between Iran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and Germany that is scheduled to begin in Geneva Thursday.

The Israeli premier took direct aim at President Barack Obama administration's desire for a pause in new sanctions against Iran, saying, "I would be very worried of any partial deal that would enable Iran to maintain (uranium-enriching) capabilities, but begin to reduce sanctions ... this could undermine the longevity and durability of the sanctions regime."

The Obama administration says it wants to hold off on new sanctions to allow for flexibility in those talks.

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