TOKYO — Iran’s foreign minister says there is “no possibility” of negotiations with the United States to reduce spiraling tensions, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reports.
“No, there is no possibility for negotiations,” the news agency cites Mohammad Javad Zarif as telling reporters in Tokyo, where he is meeting with Japanese officials.
Kyodo says the comment was in response to a question on whether he would be open to bilateral talks with Washington aimed at easing tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C) answers questions after meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono at the foreign ministry in Tokyo on May 16, 2019. (Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP)
It doesn’t immediately carry additional comments from Zarif, but public broadcaster NHK also quotes the foreign minister as describing US pressure on Iran as an “act of suicide.”
Zarif also reportedly dismisses US President Donald Trump’s assertion in a tweet that Iran would soon seek negotiations.
“I don’t know why President Trump is confident, but it’s totally wrong,” NHK quotes Zarif as saying.
The quotes on NHK are published in Japanese, and it isn’t immediately clear whether they are translated from English or Farsi.
The top Iranian diplomat, who met with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday, earlier accused Washington of an “unacceptable” escalation in tensions, and said Tehran was showing “maximum restraint.”
— AFP
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