Nuclear deal possible, but not in for a forever negotiation: Iran

After French and US foreign ministers cautioned Iran that they are running out of time to salvage the nuclear deal, Iran on Saturday stated that it will not negotiate forever even though it believes that reinstatement of its 2015 nuclear deal with major world powers is possible.

"Out of a steadfast commitment to salvage a deal that the US tried to torpedo, Iran has been the most active party in Vienna, proposing most drafts," tweeted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh on Saturday about the ongoing discussions on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "Still believe a deal is possible if the US decides to abandon Trump's failed legacy. Iran will not negotiate forever," he added.

In 2018, the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Tehran, which prompted Iran to violate some of its restrictions.

World powers, including China, Russia, France, Britain, Germany and the US, are going forth with rounds of negotiations since April to revive the nuclear deal. The US President Joe Biden's administration is in favour of restoring the agreement with new terms to the deal. Washington insisted on curbing Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for economic incentives.

Iran, however, has opposed compliance on the agreement unless all sanctions reimposed or added by former US President Donald Trump are annulled. The Biden administration okayed to scrap all sanctions that are inconsistent with the deal.

Last Monday, Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi also called on the US to ditch all unfair sanctions against Iran.