Iran ‘cautiously optimistic’ about peace talks with US

Tehran is “cautiously optimistic” about its negotiations on ending hostilities with the United States, the Iranian ambassador to the UN says, expressing hope for a “meaningful outcome.”

“Despite our deep mistrust of the United States, stemming from its repeated betrayal of diplomacy, we nevertheless entered the negotiations in good faith and remain cautiously optimistic,” Amir Saeid Iravani says during a meeting of the UN General Assembly.

He adds that if Washington adopts “a rational and constructive approach…these negotiations can lead to a meaningful outcome.”

Mediated by Pakistan, efforts are underway to organize a second round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington to bring a lasting end to the war, following a first round in Islamabad last weekend.