National Security Adviser: The US has begun communicating with Iran over the hostages

National Security Adviser Jake SullivanJake Sullivan on Sunday shows the preview: the opening of the CDC school guides the debate; Texas struggles with winter frost Erdoğan: Turkey wants to strengthen ties with US after relationship has been ‘seriously tested’ Biden talks to Netanyahu for first time since taking office MORE On Sunday, the Biden administration began talks with Iran over the US hostages currently held by the Islamic Republic.

CBS host Face Face Nation Margaret Brennan asked Sullivan if negotiations with the hostages had begun, noting that at least five American hostages were being held in Iran.

“We intend to communicate very directly with the Iranians about the complete and total outrage, the humanitarian catastrophe that is the unjust and illegal detention of American citizens in Iran,” Sullivan said.

“We have started communicating with the Iranians on this issue, yes,” Sullivan continued. “And we will continue to do so as we move forward. And our strong message to the Iranians will be that we will not accept a long-term proposal in which they continue to hold the Americans in an unjust and illegal manner. It will be a significant priority for this administration to bring those Americans home safely. ”

Brennan also asked whether Tehran responded last week to an offer from the US and the European Union to meet on the 2015 nuclear deal and whether the offer remains valid, given that Iran has said it will reduce access. granted to the watchdog of the international community.

“The first, Joe BidenJoe Biden Nearly 70 Deaths in Severe Winter Weather States: Two More Severe Winter Weather Deaths Reported in Louisiana Lawyer Applying for Reversal of 2020 Election Results Sent by Judge is intentional, determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Secondly, he believes that painful diplomacy, with clear eyes, is the best way to do this “, Sullivan replied, stating that the negotiation offer is still valid.

“Iran is now diplomatically isolated, not the United States. And the ball is in their court, “said Sullivan.

After the interview, the Fars News Agency (FNA), Iran’s semi-official news agency, shared a statement with a spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, which rejected reports that direct talks had begun.

“I received several messages from the Swiss Embassy about the exchange of prisoners,” the spokesman said in a translated Tweet from the FNA. “The release of Iranian prisoners in US prisons is our priority, but there has been no direct dialogue, and this is not true.”

Switzerland represents US interests in Iran.

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