Iran has dismissed offers made by the United States in indirect talks, saying the framework proposed by the U.S. had conditions Iran did not accept.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a statement held in Islamabad through intermediaries, the talks on the issue had started.
The US side offered a plan which contained demands that Iran refused to accept, he said, leading the Iranian delegation to reject the plan.
Washington’s offer would be withdrawn if not accepted, said Gharibabadi. He said that Iran’s rejection of the plan ended the meeting with the American delegation and they left.
The Iranian official denied that Tehran had been asking for an extension to the talks and had not been pushing the US negotiating team to press ahead with the talks. He said Iran’s actions have been in keeping with a “diplomatic approach that is principled and respectful.
Gharibabadi said that then there were more consultations in Oman after Iran decided to close the strategic waterway.
Omani officials suggested extending a southern shipping route temporarily to allow shipping traffic to run, as negotiations continue, he said. But Iran refused to agree to the proposal.
Reiterating Tehran’s stance, Gharibabadi said Iran has not changed its policy since the beginning of the war and it would not tolerate any arrangement that is against its principles. Iran has continued to follow its policy on the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
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