READOUT OF STEINMEIER-LARIJANI DISCUSSIONS

S E C R E T BERLIN 000165 NOFORN P, NEA/FO, NEA/IR, EUR/FO, EUR/CE E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/10/2019 TAGS: PREL KNNP GM IR SUBJECT: READOUT OF STEINMEIER-LARIJANI DISCUSSIONS Classified By: Charge d'Affaires John M. Koenig for reasons 1.4(b)/(d) ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: According to German MFA Political Director Stanzel, German FM Steimeier pressed Iran to drop its backward-looking approach and accept the U.S.'s new, sincere willingness for dialogue in his February 6 meeting with Iranian Majles Speaker Ali Larijani on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. Larijani was initially skeptical, citing Iranian uncertainty about U.S. sincerity and a lack of details about U.S. intentions. During the conversation, Larijani grew more constructive, citing potential topics for discussion and conceding that direct U.S.-Iranian contact is necessary. Larijani indicated that while no formal decision had been taken as to who would represent Iran in discussions, a leading role by the Iranian Parliament (and himself as Parliamentary Speaker) was "very possible." END SUMMARY. STEINMEIER: IRAN ANSWERS NEW U.S. POLICY WITH OLD APPROACH ¶2. (S/NF) German MFA Political Director Volker Stanzel provided PolOff a readout of Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier's February 6 meeting with Iranian Majles Speaker Ali Larijani on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. According to Stanzel, who attended the meeting, Steinmeier opened by complaining that Larijani's February 6 speech to the MSC plenary was far too backward-looking and did not respond to the Obama Administration's overtures. Steinmeier also criticized Larijani for aiming his speech at an Iranian domestic audience rather than the international community. As a consequence, the U.S. would "misunderstand" the speech and interpret it as a negative response to President Obama's expressed willingness for dialogue. Steinmeier added that President Obama's position on potential dialogue was a courageous move and urged the Iranians to demonstrate a similar spirit of cooperation and friendship. He added that President Obama's sincerity was clear, given that President Obama had expressed this position during the U.S. election campaign when there was nothing to gain. Take Obama's lead and do something and stop applying your old rhetoric to a new situation, Steinmeier pressed, and encouraged the Iranians to start dialogue, as discussion is necessary to de-escalate the current situation. LARIJANI: U.S. SIGNALS MIXED, IRAN WANTS MORE DETAILS ¶3. (S/NF) Stanzel noted that Larijani was initially "overly careful" to the point of negativity in the discussion, but that Larijani,s responses evolved as the conversation continued. We Iranians need to be careful, we are not sure if we can believe the "so-called signals" because some near President Obama have sent negative signals, Larijani said. Larijani also posited, "What will the format of direct talks be? With whom, where, how", adding "will (Israeli Foreign Minister) Livni be talking?" ¶4. (S/NF) Steinmeier pressed Larijani, noting that it is impossible to foresee or determine final results at the beginning of the discussion; however, Iran can make its goals and strategic perceptions clear, as well as provide more information about its positions. Larijani replied that problems between the U.S. and Iran are not easy to resolve and will take time. Obama has talked about many things, not always in a friendly tone, he said. But Larijani conceded to Steinmeier that President Obama says he wants to listen. LARIJANI CITES CONCRETE AREAS FOR DIALOGUE, IRANIAN UNCERTAINTIES ¶5. (S/NF) Stanzel described Larijani's tone as growing increasingly positive as the discussion progressed. Larijani suggested developing a list of issues for the U.S. and Iran to discuss and specifically cited Iranian property confiscated by the United States Government as an example. "We really need direct contact", said Larijani, noting that Iran is willing to do this bilaterally with the U.S. or with the P5 1 group. "Whatever you want to talk about, we are willing to talk," he reportedly said, citing Iraq, Afghanistan, energy, and the nuclear issue as areas for discussion. ¶6. (S/NF) Steinmeier said that Iran must realize that the most difficult step is the entry into talks, and warned Larijani that the Iranian government's public language is crucial. Steinmeier repeated that President Obama won the U.S. election because the American people clearly want new policies. Iran, on the other hand, is confronting the American people with old policies. Iran needs to look into the future and find a solution. ¶7. (S/NF) Larijani responded that Iran is still unsure. They first thought that the U.S. "wants to play chess with us," meaning enter into negotiations. But Larijani noted Iranian mistrust towards some potential U.S. interlocutors, claiming that American scholar and veteran diplomat Dennis Ross talks "rough" and has "hard" positions, leaving Larijani uncertain if Ross can follow up constructively. However, if the U.S. tells Iran where and when they want to talk, Iran can cooperate, he added. ¶8. (S/NF) When pressed by Steinmeier on who in the Iranian government would be responsible for the negotiating lead, Larijani replied that it was still undecided, but very possible that the Parliament would take the lead. Discussions must be step-by-step, starting at a lower level, added Larijani. (COMMENT: A Parliamentary lead would likely mean Larijani himself as the Majles speaker; Larijani also remains a member of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.) Koenig