Iran says "Nuclear Deal Restoration Talks Will Not Affect Presidential Election... Agreement Expected Before Election"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Iranian government has stated that the results of the Iranian presidential election scheduled for mid-month will not affect the talks with the United States and other JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) parties aimed at restoring the nuclear agreement. This statement is interpreted as a response to concerns that the nuclear deal might face difficulties as hardline conservatives are expected to become the next president in the upcoming Iranian election.

On the 1st (local time), Ali Rabiei, spokesperson for the Iranian government, said at a regular press conference, "The upcoming election results will not affect the Vienna talks in Austria," and emphasized, "Iran will engage in negotiations according to the Supreme Leader's guidance, and so far there have been no major obstacles in the Vienna talks. We hope for a good conclusion before the election."

Since April, Iran has been conducting nuclear deal restoration negotiations in Vienna, Austria, meeting with representatives from Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The United States is involved indirectly through these talks. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the Iranian representative in the negotiations, recently stated during the fifth round of talks that "there has been progress at the draft agreement stage, and differences among participating countries have decreased through dialogue."

However, the Iranian presidential election has been raised as a potential variable. The term of moderate President Hassan Rouhani, who is considered a moderate on foreign policy, is set to end in August following the election scheduled for the 18th. As a hardline conservative figure is currently expected to become the next president, concerns have emerged that the nuclear deal could be overturned.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.