TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's Western-educated foreign minister will take the lead in nuclear talks with world powers, an Iranian diplomat said Tuesday, in a sign the Islamic Republic may seek a less confrontational approach to negotiations over its disputed nuclear program than in past years.
Since the election of centrist Hassan Rowhani as president in June, the country has trumpeted what it says will be a fresh new style in its dealings with a six-nation group — the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany — over the program.
The main thrust of the plan, officials say, is to maintain the program but abandon the bombastic negotiating style used under Rowhani's predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
But by sidelining the Supreme National Security Council, security-minded men who had previously led the talks and were handpicked by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the new president, who considers himself a moderate, will be able to exercise more influence.
"The nuclear dossier has been transferred to the Foreign Ministry," the official said Tuesday, adding that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a veteran diplomat, will now be the top nuclear negotiator. He spoke anonymously.
The standoff with Iran stems from Western allegations that Tehran is pursuing weapons technology, a charge it denies, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Rowhani, who won in a landslide, has vowed to pursue a "policy of moderation" and ease tensions.
Khamenei, who has ultimate authority on all matters of state, also appears to have given his blessing to a more diplomatic approach to the West.
