The eighth round of talks reportedly will resume again this week

A senior State Department official stated that the US is prepared to meet directly with Iran “if they are prepared to meet with us”, stressing that the US thinks that it would be very much in the interest of the JCPOA.

“On the issue of direct talks, we’re not – this is not a matter of seeking – asking Iran to do us a favor with direct talks. If Iran doesn’t want to talk to us, that is, of course, their decision”, he added.

“We’re not begging for a meeting. That’s – if there’s no meeting, there’s no meeting. We just think that it would be the logical step to take if in fact we are determined to do everything possible to get back into deal.”

An eighth round of talks regarding the restoration of the 2015 nuclear deal will reportedly resume again this week, after the diplomatic talks in Vienna paused for a few days to give delegations time to consult with their capitals.

Earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian pointed out that the "negotiation process is on a positive track and Iran has the serious will to reach a good agreement as soon as possible."

He affirmed the need for "practical, tangible and verifiable measures" by the West and the US to prove a lasting and reliable agreement.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that Iran has displayed its will and seriousness in reaching an agreement in the Vienna Talks, noting that the opposite party should make efforts, in this context, in ending the embargo, ensuring it, and securing guarantees in this regard."

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