The U.S. and Iran have agreed to talks over Iran's s nuclear program in order to prevent a possible military strike, The New York Times reports, citing administration officials. However, the Obama administration is publicly denying that such talks were agreed upon.
“It’s not true that the United States and Iran have agreed to one-on-one talks or any meeting after the American elections,” White House spokesman Tommy Vietor told The Times, though he added that the U.S. was open to such talks. Reuters reports that Iranian officials have also denied The Times story.
The two parties would start negotiations after the U.S. presidential election, administration officials told The Times. Negotiations over these talks, The Times reports, started almost at the beginning of President Obama’s term in office.
The news comes as Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, will have their third presidential debate on Monday, this time focusing solely on foreign affairs. When campaigning in 2008, Obama discussed diplomatic solutions to dealing with Iran, though he used increasingly stronger rhetoric toward the Persian state in recent years.
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment