Statements by U.S. State Department Spokesperson on Negotiation Proposal with Iran

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that there is no difference between the remarks of Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo regarding negotiations with Iran; both have repeatedly expressed readiness for talks and both seek changes in Tehran's policies. Heather Nauert, on August 1, told reporters that both the President and the Secretary of State have stated they are ready for negotiations: "Do we want changes in the behavior of the Iranians? Absolutely, and that is why you hear from Secretary of State [Mike Pompeo] about the nature of these changes in Iranian behavior. Changes that the U.S. government and many other countries want to see." Nauert mentioned that the U.S. hopes these changes will occur. She added, "Certainly, the people of Iran also hope that the behavior [of the government] will change and that they will have a better future." The U.S. State Department spokesperson's remarks were made in response to reporters' questions about the statements made by Trump and Pompeo. On Tuesday, during a joint press conference with the Italian Prime Minister, Donald Trump responded to a question about whether he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, saying, "If he is willing to do so, I am definitely ready," and that the meeting would be "without any conditions." Shortly after, Mike Pompeo, supporting Trump's approach, emphasized that "if the Iranians show a commitment to make fundamental changes in how they treat their own people, reduce their destructive behavior in the region, and agree that it is worthwhile to enter into an agreement that truly prevents the proliferation of nuclear weapons, then the President has said he is ready to sit down and talk with them." These statements prompted reporters on Wednesday during the State Department's press conference to ask questions about whether negotiations with Iran would be unconditional or have conditions. Nauert stated, "The job of the State Department is diplomacy, and diplomacy is always the approach we prefer. This is what we do here, and this is what the Secretary of State does." When asked again if these comments meant negotiations without conditions, Nauert stated that she, the Secretary of State, and the President of the United States have answered this question. During the press conference, the spokesperson reiterated that "we hope this country and its government will move towards a better life, changing its policies in a way that allows its people to have a better life." After repeated questions on whether Pompeo would be willing to engage in negotiations without conditions, the spokesperson emphasized that both the Secretary of State and the President of the United States have answered this question. Trump's statements regarding readiness for negotiations with Iran have faced reactions within Iran. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated, "The United States should only blame itself for leaving and abandoning the negotiation table. Threats, sanctions, and propaganda tricks will not work. Respect: for the Iranians and international commitments." An advisor to Hassan Rouhani also stated, "Respect for the great Iranian nation, reducing hostilities, and the U.S. returning to the JCPOA are the keys to smoothing the current rocky path." Several officials of the Islamic Republic, including Ali Akbar Nategh Nouri, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council, have said that the Islamic Republic should not reject negotiations. However, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has shown a different approach, stating that such a meeting will never take place. Hassan Rouhani, the President, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, have not yet reacted.