The US reiterated its proposal to begin talks with Iran, but warned that they would do their best to curb Iran’s destructive behavior if Tehran continues to destabilize the Middle East, AP reported.

US ambassador to the UN Kelly Kraft said the Trump administration also rejects Iran’s policy of balancing on the brink of war to normalize its destabilizing behavior.

Iranian Ambassador to the UN Majid Takht Ravanchi called the US proposal for unconditional negotiations insincere. The US wants to enter into a dialogue from a position of strength, while maintaining sanctions and maximum pressure, and not on an equal footing, he said.

Iran is not negotiating under the threat of the sword, Ravanchi said. He noted that under no circumstances will Iran compromise on its security.

UN spokeswoman Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that tensions in the region increased dramatically during 2019. 

British ambassador Karen Pierce noted that it is important for Europeans to maintain a nuclear agreement with Iran, which she called fundamental to regional and international peace and security. She added that diplomatic efforts are still needed.

Pierce regretted Iran’s recent steps to reduce its nuclear obligations.

Russian ambassador Vasily Nebenzya told the Council that the so-called evidence of Iran’s guilt is not convincing and is not confirmed in the report of the Secretary General. He added that the report suffers from a chronic lack of evidence.