Amir-Abdollahian: Iran will not accept giving away ten concessions in exchange for one

Iran and Saudi Arabia will be holding talks in Baghdad, Iraq in the near future, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Thursday.

Amir-Abdollahian noted, during a press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fouad Hussein, that the position of some countries like France had not been constructive during the Vienna nuclear talks, adding that the E3 had not presented any proposals during the talks. The Foreign Minister also thanked China and Russia for their stances during the talks.

He stressed that Iran would not accept being given one concession while the other side is given ten.

Regarding talks with Saudi Arabia, the Iranian Foreign Minister said Iran was still awaiting convincing answers from Riyadh on its delay in allowing the Iranian ambassador to leave Yemen for treatment in Iran. He also clarified that Iran presented a number of proposals to Saudi Arabia during the last round of talks.

Both countries are prepared to exchange commissions between their embassies, he asserted, which would pave the way for their reopening.

Hussein: Washington-Tehran tensions affecting Iraq

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein said the tensions between Washington and Tehran affect Iraq.

He added that, in line with Iraq's national interest, Baghdad was discussing Iranian-US relations with Washington, noting that it was best that for talks between the US and Iran take place.

Hussein went on to say Iraq believed one problem of the talks with the P4+1 is that they are taking place through a mediator.

As for the US withdrawal from Iraq, the Iraqi Foreign Minister voices trust in the deal signed by Washington, in which it was agreed upon that US combat forces would withdraw from Iraq by the end of the year, clarifying that the presence of consultants and trainers is at the basis of the agreement.

Regarding the joint investigation on the assassination of martyrs General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Hussein said the investigative committees had accomplished some of the work, with more remaining. He asserted that there would also be joint committees and that the two sides would continue cooperating to reveal the details.

On Iran-Saudi relations, Hussein announced that Iraq played a role in fostering the dialogue between the two countries, hoping that a fifth round of talks would take place soon.