US, Iran agree to begin indirect nuclear talks amid impasse

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Friday it has agreed to participate in indirect nuclear talks starting next week with Iran in a potential major breakthrough that could end a months-long impasse.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said that for now there would not be any direct talks with Iran, and the US would instead engage in talks "with our European, Russian, and Chinese partners."

Those talks will be focused on identifying "the issues involved in a mutual return to compliance with" the 2015 nuclear accord, Price said in a statement sent to Anadolu Agency.

The shuttle diplomacy will be centered around working groups that will be formed by the EU with the other participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including Iran.

"The primary issues that will be discussed are the nuclear steps that Iran would need to take in order to return to compliance with the terms of the JCPOA, and the sanctions relief steps that the United States would need to take in order to return to compliance as well," Price said.

While the Joe Biden administration does not presently anticipate holding any direct talks with Iran, Price said the US "remains open to them."