Iran FM spokesman: direct U.S. talks with sanctions and pressure are meaningless

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 6 /Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/ Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that the possible direct talks between Iran and the U.S. are meaningless, with sanctions and pressure, IRNA reported. Mehmanparast made the remarks at the joint meeting between spokespersons of country's Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry and Ministry of Defense. "If the Americans truly want to enter the direct negotiations with Iran, we will consider this option," Mehmanparast said. "If the U.S. can approach the negotiations seriously, then we are ready to talk and discuss specific issues," Mehmanparast said. "But these negotiations should be treated with respect, not from the approach of pressure and sanctions." His comments came in response to a question about US Vice President Joe Biden's offer of direct talks with the Islamic Republic. Speaking at the 49th annual Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 2, Biden said Washington was ready to hold direct talks with Iran over the country's nuclear energy program. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az