National Security Adviser: The U.S. has begun communicating with Iran over hostages

by

National security adviser Jake SullivanJake Sullivan Sunday shows preview: CDC school reopening sparks debate; Texas fights Erdogan’s winter freeze: Turkey wants to strengthen ties with the United States after the relationship was “seriously tested.” Biden speaks with Netanyahu for the first time since he took office MORE on Sunday, he said the Biden administration has begun talks with Iran over the U.S. hostages the Islamic Republic currently has.

Margaret Brennan, host of CBS, Margaret Brennan asked Sullivan if hostage negotiations had begun and noted that at least five U.S. hostages remain in Iran.

“We intend to communicate very directly with the Iranians about the complete and utter outrage, the humanitarian catastrophe that is the unjust and illegal detention of American citizens in Iran,” Sullivan said.

“We have started communicating with the Iranians on this issue, yes,” Sullivan continued. “And we will continue to do so as we move forward. And our strong message to Iranians will be that we will not accept a long-term proposal where Americans continue to be held unfairly and illegally. It will be a significant priority for this administration to get these Americans back home safely. ”

Brennan also asked if Tehran had responded last week to an offer from the United States and the European Union to meet on the 2015 nuclear deal and whether the offer still holds, as Iran had said. which would reduce access to the international community’s nuclear surveillance dog.

“First, Joe BidenJoe Biden: Nearly 70 deaths in states with severe winter weather: Two more confirmed deaths in Louisiana related to severe winter weather are reported. The lawyer who filed a lawsuit to reverse the 2020 election results, referred by the judge by discipline he intends, determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Second, he believes diplomacy with clear eyes and clear eyes is the best way to do it, “Sullivan responded, stating that the offer of negotiation is still in force.

“It’s Iran that is now diplomatically isolated, not the United States. And the ball is in their court,” Sullivan said.

The Fars News Agency (FNA), Iran’s semi-official news agency, after the interview shared a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman that went ahead with reports that direct talks have begun.

“We have received some messages from the Swiss embassy about the exchange of prisoners,” the spokesman said in a Tweet translated by FNA. “The release of Iranian prisoners in US prisons is our priority, but there has been no direct dialogue, and that is not true.”

Switzerland represents US interests in Iran.

.Source