Executive Branch - POLITICS
Iranian lawmaker says Obama proposed direct talks in letter
Published January 18, 2012
Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran – The White House had no immediate comment Wednesday on a claim from an Iranian lawmaker that President Obama called for direct talks with Iran in a secret letter to the Islamic Republic's supreme leader that also warned Tehran against closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Conservative lawmaker Ali Motahari revealed the content of the letter days after the Obama administration said it was warning Iran through public and private channels against any action that threatens the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf.
"In the letter, Obama called for direct talks with Iran," the semiofficial Fars news agency quoted Motahari as saying Wednesday. "The letter also said that closing the Strait of Hormuz is (Washington's) red line."
"The first part of the letter contains threats and the second part contains an offer for dialogue," he added.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast confirmed that Tehran received the letter and was considering a possible response.
Likely this is true ? Or not likely ?
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/18/iranian-lawmaker-says-obama-proposed-direct-talks-in-letter/#ixzz1jpmqe6zB
Originally posted by utherpendragonAre you personally opposed to any diplomatic overtures the Obama administration may or may have not made towards Iran?
Executive Branch - POLITICS
Iranian lawmaker says Obama proposed direct talks in letter
Published January 18, 2012
Associated Press
[b]TEHRAN, Iran – The White House had no immediate comment Wednesday on a claim from an Iranian lawmaker that President Obama called for direct talks with Iran in a secret letter to the Islamic Republic's supreme ...[text shortened]... s/2012/01/18/iranian-lawmaker-says-obama-proposed-direct-talks-in-letter/#ixzz1jpmqe6zB
Perfectly likely and, if so, wholly commendable. I have no doubt whatsoever that indirect talks, whether through unofficial channels or proxies, has continued. I can't see any justification for condemning indirect talks or the prospect of direct talks unless one is actively belligerent and actually looks forward to open conflict with Iran. Surely a negotiated end to the current brinksmanship is preferable to the alternative?
