Bazeshkian: No Choice But to Engage with Washington Grossi Says “Nuclear”

Iranian President Massoud Bazeshkian said there is no choice but to engage with the United States and manage strained relations. Speaking to Iran’s former foreign ministers, Bazeshkian said, “Whether we like it or not, we will have to engage with the United States at the regional and international levels, so it is better for us to manage this relationship and confrontation ourselves.” He pledged to act “within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s strategy and orientations.”

There is anticipation regarding the foreign policy President-elect Donald Trump will pursue concerning negotiations to revive the nuclear agreement and lift sanctions.

Bazeshkian’s remarks came on the eve of the visit by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi to Tehran. Grossi said, “The negotiation margins are narrowing” concerning Iran’s nuclear program, calling on Tehran to increase inspections, transparency, and pursue diplomatic solutions amid the tense international situation.