The U.S. and Turkey share a common concern about Iran's nuclear program and a common interest in ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said in an interview with Anadolu News Agency, which was published on the U.S. State Department's official website.
"We have made clear with our partners in the P5+1, that we are prepared to engage in serious negotiations with Iran on international concerns about its nuclear program. But we are also, at the same time, deeply concerned about Iran's failure to live up to its international obligations," Burns said.
The West alleges that Iran is pursuing nuclear bombs through its nuclear program, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purpose only.
Burns also added that the U.S. has "sought to work with friends and partners around the world to try to demonstrate that there are consequences to not living up to those obligations".
"Both U.S. and Turkey agree strongly that the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon would be a very dangerous and destabilizing development for the entire region. While it is true we sometimes differ over tactics, I think we share that strategic concern, which is very important," he said.
Speaking about the possibility of Iran closing down the Strait of Hormuz, Burns noted that "free passage through the Strait of Hormuz is an internationally recognized right".
Iran has made remarks to stop the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz if foreign sanctions were imposed on its crude exports over its nuclear ambitions, a move that could trigger military conflict with economies dependent on Gulf oil.
"Any threat to interfere in any way with the free right to pass through Hormuz Strait is provocative and reckless. The U.S. stands with her partners in the P5+1 in our readiness to engage in serious negotiation over the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear program. We've made serious efforts in the past and we will continue to do so in the future," Burns added.
U.S. diplomat also underscored Turkey's constructive role in trying to bring about that kind of a serious negotiation.
Edited by: S. Isayev