US says dialogue between KSA & Iran leads to regional stability

The US said on Monday that the “constructive dialogue” between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran would contribute to “stabilizing the situation” in the region, and warned Tehran against the continuation of sanctions imposed on it until it returns to its nuclear commitments.

“We believe that constructive dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran will contribute to stabilizing the situation in the region,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said during a press briefing.

Concerning the Iranian nuclear file, Price said: “Our position is clear regarding Iran, and we do not have an optimistic or pessimistic view, but we are working to assess the reality.”

He added, “We did not find actions from Iran that are consistent with their statements regarding returning to talks, and we are ready to consider other options.”

He added that “the sanctions on Iran will remain until Tehran chooses the path of diplomacy and returns to its nuclear commitments.”

He pointed out that “China’s position on returning to the nuclear agreement is clear, and is consistent with the position of Washington, Moscow, and Europe.”

Concerning developments in the situation in Ethiopia, Price said that Washington is looking into reports of “carrying out air raids” on the capital of the Tigray region in northern Ethiopia.

Earlier on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc would not hold talks with Iranian diplomats in Brussels on Thursday, contradicting reports in Iranian media.

On Sunday, the semi-official Iranian news agency Fars quoted a parliamentarian, after meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister, that the discussions could take place on Thursday.