Macron says conditions ripe for Iran-US talks as tensions run high

As per reports, French President Emmanuel Macron has said on September 24 that he feels that the conditions for the Presidents of Iran and United States to relaunch negotiations are now aligned, but it is up to them to make it a reality. Macron has made use of two days of his UN tour for diplomacy to cajole U.S President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a tête-a-tête. Macron has stated that there is a common wish to progress and to not just explore the points of de-escalation but to build a long term accord which depends on the will of both sides

Macron: Conditions created, now up to them

Reportedly, Macron has said that circumstances are now right for a swift return to negotiations as he heads back to his country from New York where he was a part of the annual United National General Assembly. He further said that it was now up to Iranians and Americans to take advantage of these conditions and work together and restart the momentum. The French President has been at the forefront to disperse tensions between US and Iran over the last few days in the wake of an attack on Saudi Oil sites on September 14. 

Macron has made use of two days of his UN tour for diplomacy to cajole U.S President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a tête-a-tête while being apprehensive about how a new incident can further plunge the Middle-east region into chaos. Even as Rouhani demanded that the United States scrap harsh sanctions that have throttled its economy, the US has refused to budge unless Iran comes to the table without pre-set conditions. Chances of a successful negotiation seems narrow even though the two leaders are still in New York on September 25.

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Macron reveals conditions

According to reports, Macron has stated that there is a common wish to progress and to not just explore the points of de-escalation but to build a long term accord which depends on the will of both sides. Macron further revealed that the terms of talks were to make sure Iran could never take hold of a nuclear weapon, end Yemen civil war, develop a plan for larger regional security that includes other crises in the Gulf region while ensuring maritime movement in Strait of Hormuz and scrap economic sanctions. 

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No clarity from either side

However, despite Macron's diplomatic attempts, there was little to nothing that may be suggestive of the fact that either side is willing to stand down. As per reports, Macron has stated that lifting sanctions on part of the United States without any visibility on other areas is not possible. At the same time, a clear pledge from Iran on the points he mentioned are not possible without American commitments. 

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(With inputs from agencies)