Kerry in Meeting with Zarif: A Solution for Syria and Yemen Must Be Found

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, and John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, met and discussed on Saturday, September 25, in New York. This is the first meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and the U.S. since the comprehensive nuclear agreement or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna. According to Reuters, John Kerry expressed hope for negotiations to resolve Middle Eastern issues during a press conference with Mohammad Javad Zarif before beginning discussions with his Iranian counterpart. The U.S. Secretary of State stated, 'This week is a great opportunity for countries that want to play a role in solving some very complicated issues in the Middle East.' Kerry also emphasized, 'We need to establish peace; we must find a way forward in Syria and Yemen.' He added, 'I think there are opportunities this week for progress through these negotiations.' While the foreign ministers of Iran and the U.S. met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, a senior U.S. State Department official had previously stated that they expected discussions about Syria to be part of the meeting between John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif. Wendy Sherman, who has been a senior negotiator for the U.S. in nuclear talks with Iran, said on Saturday that the U.S. is ready to discuss Syria with Iran in line with the 'interests' of both countries. Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, had previously stated that he only allowed the Iranian government to negotiate with the U.S. on nuclear issues. Khamenei clarified that 'in other areas, we did not allow negotiations and we do not negotiate with the U.S.' Meanwhile, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, had previously mentioned the possibility of dialogue between Iran and the U.S. on various issues. Mohammad Javad Zarif, along with Hassan Rouhani, traveled to the U.S. to participate in the UN General Assembly. 'Implementing the JCPOA is a priority.' Zarif also stated in a press conference alongside John Kerry that Iran's priority is to discuss the nuclear agreement. The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed hope that the full implementation of the nuclear agreement with the six world powers would end 'distrust.' Iran and the six world powers reached a comprehensive agreement to resolve the Islamic Republic's nuclear dispute on July 14 in Vienna. Under this agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, Iran's nuclear program is limited, and in return, most international sanctions against Tehran will be lifted.