Spokesman of Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bahram Ghasemi said Iran had no information about the forming of a joint working group to amend the Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and had not received such remarks formally from the European Union.
At his weekly press conference on Monday, Ghasemi responded to a question about news reports on formation of joint working group to fix what the US sees as flaws in the Iranian nuclear deal between three European countries and the United States to edit or add articles to the JCPOA.
He dismissed rumors on agreement between three European countries to form a working group aimed at ‘fixing’ the JCPOA, adding “we have not received any official statement from the EU and these three European countries about this decision,” referring to the UK, Germany and France which are all parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, according to ISNA.
Referring to contacts between Tehran and the European Union, Ghasemi said his country had not received a formal request from the European Union to negotiate the ballistic missile program.
“In the contacts and negotiations with EU officials, we have made our point of view and heard their point of view," he said.
The Iranian diplomat rejected rumors on French President Macron’s conditions for visiting Iran and holding meetings with senior officials, including Ali Khamenei, adding that the date for the visit has not been set yet; It will take place after the visit of French foreign minister.
On the Syrian file, Ghassemi announced that Tehran will continue its consultations with Ankara "seriously" in the coming days on the Turkish operation in Afrin, denying "neutralizing" his country in the developments witnessed north Syria.
He also underlined Iran's key role in the region and said that Tehran will continue to actively participate in Astana talks on Syria.
"The three countries involved in Astana peace talks on Syria are still firmly working together," said the spokesman, urging Ankara to stop its military operations in Syria's Afrin region and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.
Bahram Qassemi warned the Turkish authorities against their operations in Afrin that could lead to the return of instability and terrorists to Syria.
"The Turkish government should reconsider. Whatever concerns Syria can be pursued through the Astana process," he said.
