Tehran: Iran has reiterated that the easing of sanctions will be the deciding factor in reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). "The US should know that this window will not be open forever if the JCPOA does not entail specific economic interests and the normalisation of foreign commerce for the Islamic Republic," Saeed Khatibzadeh, a spokeswoman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, told the media here.

"Speculations" about a possible temporary pact between Iran and its western counterparts on the 2015 nuclear agreement were denounced by Khatibzadeh as a "psychological operation" aimed at "fishing in stormy waters."

In a recent meeting, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan proposed a "interim accord," arguing that it would allow participants to the discussions to "purchase more time for nuclear negotiations."  "It would be better for the United States to ensure that objective guarantees are given on the easing of sanctions against Iran," the Iranian spokesman said, referring to recent remarks by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to a diplomatic outcome in the Vienna negotiations, but warned that if Iran "refuses to engage constructively," Washington will "consider all steps necessary to keep the US secure."

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