Iran opted out of technical negotiations that were set to take place on Sunday, according to a statement carried by Iranian state television. An official from the Office of Preservation and Publication of the Works of Iran’s Supreme Leader cited two main reasons for the decision: recent attacks on Iran and conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding with the United States that have yet to be satisfied.
Mehdi Fazaeili, the official who spoke to state TV, pointed to the frozen funds issue as a key sticking point. “For example one of the reasons is checking if we have access to the unfrozen funds, if there is no access then this condition has not been fulfilled,” he said.
The announcement signals continued tension in diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States, with Iran making clear it will not move forward in talks until it believes the agreed-upon conditions have been honored.
