Iran rejects Europe’s proposed talks on nuclear deal with US

The Foreign Ministry has eased travel restrictions on Iranian ambassadors to the UN and to accept European invitations to direct talks.

Mr Biden’s decision on Thursday ordered military strikes on a number of buildings used by Hezbollah militants in Iraq and other groups in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border. The strikes killed a civilian contractor in retaliation for a rocket attack in northern Iraq on February 15 and wounded members of the US service and members of coalition forces.

Mr Biden said the strikes were aimed at sending Iran the message, “You can not act without punishment – be careful.”

Dealing with escalating military tensions with Iran in the run-up to the meeting with the Americans has been unpopular with Iranian conservative factions, including with several Republican leaders in the United States.

A White House spokesman said Sunday that the United States was “disappointed” by Iran’s refusal to talk, but that “we are ready to resume meaningful diplomacy.”

Henry Roma, chief analyst overseeing Iran at the Eurasian Policy Advisory Council, said Iran’s decision was partly a reflection of its leaders’ desire to be flexible to US pressure.

“This is far from the death penalty for negotiations,” he said in an email.

In his Sunday remarks, Mr Kadibzadeh said Iran would reciprocate Washington’s pressure and concessions.