Speaking in his weekly press conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh briefed on the latest Iranian foreign policy developments and answered a number of questions put forward by the journalists.

Resuming of Vienna talks new round on agenda of negotiators

Answering a question about the latest status of the Vienna talks, as well as Joseph Borrell’s request for the return of the negotiating delegations to the Austrian capital, Khatibzadeh said, “Both sides [Iran and the European Union] agreed that prolonging this halt is not in the interest of the talks, and it is appropriate to hold a meeting as soon as possible.”

“A decision has not yet been made on where this meeting will take place and at what level, but it is on the agenda,” he added.

Transfer of centrifuges from Karaj to Natanz done with notification of Agency

“Iran is a member of the NPT and has accepted the non-proliferation regime. It has done the rules of safeguards. The transfer of centrifuges from Karaj to Natanz was done with the notification of the Agency, and according to the Agency’s charter, we are allowed to take any action based on our peaceful needs, with the notification and under the supervision of the Agency,” said Khatibzadeh in response to a question about enrichment in Natanz and that Iran is moving from 60% to 90% enrichment.

Iranian border guards have responsibility to prevent any illegal traffic

Speaking about the tension between Iran and Afghanistan on the Dogarun border, the spokesman said, “Our zealous border guards have been stationed on the country’s borders with Afghanistan due to the internal situation in Afghanistan. They have a responsibility to prevent any illegal traffic.”

In response to a question about the series of bombings in Afghanistan that have targeted Hazaras and Shias and that the Taliban appear incapable of providing security in Afghanistan, Khatibzadedh said, “The situation in Afghanistan, including all ethnic and religious groups, has been always important to the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is the sole responsibility of the governing body of Afghanistan to ensure the security of all ethnic groups in the country. They have not yet been able to establish security in some areas.”

Khatibzadeh also pointed to the deployment of a diplomat from the Afghan governing body to the Afghan Embassy in Tehran, saying, “Tens of thousands of Afghan people [residing in Iran] per month go to Afghan Embassy in Tehran [for their consular works]. Therefore, a large number of employees are needed in the consular section. SO, we should help the embassy in this regard.”

“We will not hand over the embassy to any government that we have not recognized, and this is Iran’s decision,” said the top diplomat regarding the presence of a Taliban diplomat at the Afghan embassy in Tehran.

Date of Erdogan’s visit not yet final

Answering about the upcoming visit of the Turkish President to Iram, the spokesperson said,  “The date is not yet final and there should be some preparations for Erdogan’s trip, and meetings must be arranged to determine the date of the trip.”

5th round of Iranian-Saudi talks ‘positive’

Khatibzadeh also pointed to the fifth round of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia which was held in Baghdad, terming it positive. “The talks were serious. We can expect to see serious progress quickly in the various areas if the talks have some progress at the political level.”

He also rejected the possibility of a meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia at this level.

Palestine issue first issue in public opinion of Islamic world

Despite the conspiracies of the Zionist regime, the issue of Palestine is being considered the first issue in public opinion of the Islamic world, Khatibzadeh said, referring to the latest developments in occupied lands and territories.

He also added that the issue of Palestine is the main focus of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and all free countries that stand against racism.