US signals readiness for direct talks with Iran following EU sanctions move

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on August 28 that Washington is seeking direct talks with Iran aimed at ending its nuclear program, following European powers’ move to restore sanctions on Tehran.

Rubio welcomed the Europeans’ “snapback” of sanctions, a measure long advocated by US President Donald Trump, but emphasised the United States’ willingness to engage diplomatically, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran — in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue,” he said in a statement.

He added, “Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it.”

Urging Iran to take steps toward peace, Rubio stated: “I urge Iranian leaders to take the immediate steps necessary to ensure that their nation will never obtain a nuclear weapon; to walk the path of peace; and to, by extension, advance prosperity for the Iranian people.”

Earlier on August 28, France, Britain, and Germany triggered a mechanism to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran, citing Tehran’s failure to comply with its nuclear commitments. 

By Sabina Mammadli