Despite numerous reports that Iran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the P5+1 in early November, articles in Iran’s state-owned press indicate assertions that negotiations will resume shortly may be overstated. Statements by leading Iranian officials involved in negotiations indicate that the resumption of talks with the West will be conditional, and certain aspects of Iran’s nuclear program will not be up for debate.
On October 29, Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, sent a response to EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton indicating Iran’s willingness to participate in nuclear talks with the P5+1 after November 10, “in a place and on a date convenient to both sides,” Iranian state-owned news agency PressTV reports. However, since the publication of the letter, numerous articles in state-owned Iranian press agencies contradicted or qualified Iran’s willingness to discuss its nuclear program.
