‘US approach determines Iran’s nuclear posture’

Islamabad:“Iran, under Dr Masoud Pezeshkian will encourage negotiations with the US, however, Iran’s nuclear policy will depend upon the US response,” said Pooya Mir­zaei, Editor-in-Chief, No­ur News, Tehran.

Mr Mirzaei was speaking at an event on “Iran's presidential elections: implications on foreign policy” organised here by Institute of Regional Studies. Mr Mirzaei also mentioned that Iran entered a new phase under President Raisi where relations with the Persian Gulf states were normalised. He stressed that Iran’s policy towards the Middle East would remain the same under Dr Pezeshkian as well, however, security and intelligence cooperation of the Arab states with Israel would remain a contentious issue. He stated that Iran’s nuclear policy was separate from its regional policy and any decision on the nuclear issue would depend on the US attitude towards Iran.

Dr Hamed Reza, Secretary-General, Asian Mayors Forum in Tehran, argued that major foreign policy decisions in Iran were taken by the Supreme National Security Council chaired by the President. Dr Reza felt that the revival of talks between Iran and the US was unlikely given the present circumstances.