Importance of Negotiations; Not its Site

According to one international affairs expert, the site of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 group is of secondary importance and the most important point is the negotiations itself, which will reduce the level of threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran. While emphasizing the fact that these nuclear negotiations had not been suspended again, Hassan Beheshti Pour said, "Both sides have declared that they are ready to restart negotiations after almost 15 months and have generally agreed on its terms. Meanwhile, the delay in holding these negotiations is only due to the difference in opinion over where they should be held.”

He added, "However, the site for these negotiations and even the date does not carry much importance or criticality, the main point is that both sides have the will to find a way to get past the differences of opinion over Iran's nuclear program.”

Speaking about the reasons why the Islamic Republic is against holding negotiations in a country it had initially suggested itself, Beheshti Pour stated, "In any case, the sides involved in Iran's nuclear dossier each have their own specific policies and necessities and sit at the negotiation table while considering all aspects.”

The international affairs expert went on to add, "The Islamic Republic had previously announced through its foreign minister, Mr. Salehi, that Istanbul could be an appropriate site to host Iran's important international negotiations with the 5+1 group, but based on recent events and issues, Tehran has reached the conclusion that there is no need for Turkey to be given the important advantage of hosting these talks.”

He added, "Iran and Turkey have differences of opinion over two issues, the positioning of NATO's missile radar system in Turkey and also developments in Syria, and these differences have grown in the new year; therefore, under these circumstances, Tehran is not interested in helping Turkey's international image and credibility increase by hosting the nuclear negotiations in Istanbul.”

Beheshti Pour went on to say, "There is nothing wrong with the Islamic Republic of Iran changing its opinion about where to hold nuclear negotiations with the 5+1 group, because absolutism has been frowned upon in politics and it is through flexibility that advantages can be gained."

He added, "However, just as I said before, the site of negotiations is of secondary importance and the most important point is the negotiations itself which will reduce the level of threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and stopping negotiations will first of all be harmful for Iran, and also the region and countries involved in these negotiations. There is fortunately no difference of opinion about restarting the negotiations and the only matter that remains is the time and place which both sides will agree upon during preliminary talks and agreements during the next few days. Nevertheless, the framework, goals and topics of these negotiations are important issues that cannot be simply forgotten."

"These negotiations will recommence after a period of almost 15 months,” he continued,  “and we hope that they will not lead to a return to square one and that suspension of uranium enrichment and halting Iran's nuclear activities will no longer be topics of discussion because these issues are not able to be discussed anymore."

While saying that both sides will enter these negotiations in a completely serious manner, Beheshti Pour stated, "Both sides, especially the West, are serious about these talks and won't negotiate just for the sake of negotiation. However, it seems that the West will once more look to achieve its wanted results, meaning suspension of enrichment and stopping development of nuclear activities in Iran."

He ended by saying, "If one is to be hopeful about political nuclear negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 group, both Iran and its counterparts must respect each other's red lines, meaning that the Islamic Republic of Iran must prove that there are no military goals in its nuclear program by offering appropriate solutions, and the West must officially recognize Iran's peaceful nuclear activities."