TEHRAN -- The former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and former foreign minister, Ali-Akbar Salehi, has proposed that Iran and the United States hold a wide-ranging political dialogue to resolve bilateral issues.
Salehi told Entekhab news outlet in an interview published on Saturday that Iran’s regional and military status is “relatively acceptable”, adding it is advisable to have “a more extensive dialogue” with the West and the U.S.“Iran is currently a regional power, something friends and foes alike testify to… It is a good opportunity to sit and hold a more extensive dialog… with the West and America. We may call it a political dialogue,” Salehi, who was Iran’s foreign minister between 2010 and 2013, said.
Iran, he said, had talked directly to the U.S. several times before but those discussions were all around specific topics, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, prisoner exchanges, and the Iran nuclear deal.
“I think now may be the time to hold a comprehensive dialogue,” he said, adding that “all relevant topics” could be discussed, regional security included.
However, preparations have to be made for such a dialogue, including the strengthening of national unity and cohesion, Salehi added.
“When everyone’s interests are considered, my sense is that the West and America wouldn’t be disinterested either.”
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