Washington, DC – Ryan Costello, Policy Director with the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement amid reports that Iran responded to President Trump’s letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei through intermediaries in Oman.
“It is favorable that both the U.S. and Iran are communicating and hopefully making progress in jumpstarting serious negotiations. If Iran is indeed open to indirect talks, even amid threats and escalating sanctions pressure, that can be a good place to start. However, both the U.S. and Iran should consider good faith steps that can clear the path to direct negotiations.
“For Iran, that could represent a gesture on its nuclear program, like enhancing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency or slowing accumulation of higher-enriched uranium. For the United States, it is clear that the pursuit of “maximum pressure” is an obstacle to substantive engagement with Iran.“Both the U.S. and Iran have a strong, mutual interest in avoiding war and resolving tensions at the negotiating table. There is now a clear opportunity for Iran to resolve international fears regarding the intent of its nuclear program while pursuing sanctions relief, and for the U.S. to prevent another forever war before it starts. We urge that each side seize this moment.”
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