US Says Iran Remains Adversary But Doesn't Rule Out Nuclear Diplomacy

Reuters carrying comments from a senior Biden administration official as the US and Iran prepare to conclude a deal on the exchange of 10 prisoners and the unfreezing of USD$6b in Iranian oil revenue.

• Official: "No Americans or dual citizens should travel to Iran... Iran remains an adversary and state sponsor of terrorism and we will hold them accountable wherever possible."
• States, "US does not close the door entirely to diplomacy when asked about any indirect talks with Iran on nuclear diplomacy... if US sees an opportunity, it will explore it, but right now he has nothing to talk about."
• Official says, "US will be meeting with E3 [Germany, France, UK] counterparts to fully coordinate on Iran's IAEA move and will have more to say on that."
• The timing of the deal has raised optimism that backroom talks can take place this week at the UN General Assembly in New York City on potentially pathways to resuming nuclear talks. Delegates from all the signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear accords will be in attendance at the UNGA.