TEHRAN, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iran said on Monday that diplomacy will be used whenever it proves effective to safeguard its national interests, stressing that ongoing contacts with the United States remain strictly confined to nuclear-related issues.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks at his weekly press conference, underscoring that Iran has never abandoned diplomacy and continues to view it as an important means of advancing national interests when conditions are appropriate.
Commenting on recent remarks by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani regarding Baghdad's efforts to facilitate direct talks between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said Iraq's concern for regional security and stability was "commendable."
He added that Iran welcomes sincere efforts by neighboring countries aimed at reducing regional tensions, but emphasized that the initiation of any negotiation process requires adherence to proper diplomatic procedures.
Regarding the current state of Iran-U.S. contacts, Baghaei said that the official communication channel through the interest sections in Switzerland and Washington remains active, noting that there is currently no need to establish additional channels.
Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated talks on Tehran's nuclear program earlier this year, and were preparing for a sixth round when Israel launched major surprise airstrikes on several areas in Iran on June 13, including nuclear and military sites. The strikes killed senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians.
On June 22, U.S. forces bombed Iran's three nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. Enditem
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