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Q    On Iran.  We’ve heard the U.S. say that this election — this presidential election is not free and fair, that they have doubts that this is going to change anything meaningfully.  But we’ve also heard the U.S. say that they will negotiate or do diplomacy with Iran when it serves our national interests.  So, is the U.S. now ready to resume nuclear talks, other talks, or make any diplomatic moves with Iran in light of this new president?

MR. KIRBY:  No. 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  Okay.  Aurelia —

Q    Wa- — I’m sorry.  “No”?  Can you —

MR. KIRBY:  Well —

Q    Can you elaborate, please?

MR. KIRBY:  Well, your — it seemed like a pretty easy question to answer.  No, we’re — we’re not in a position where we’re willing to get back to the negotiating table with Iran just based on the fact that they’ve elected a new president. 

They’re still supporting terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.  They’re still supporting the Houthis as the Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea.  They’re still attacking shipping as well. 

And they’re still supplying drones and drone technology and drone expertise to the Russians so that the Russians can continue to kill innocent Ukrainians like they did over the weekend. 

So, no.  No. 

Q    This guy seems a bit more moderate.  Do you see any opening?

MR. KIRBY:  We’ll — look, we’ll see what “this guy” wants to get done —

Q    The president.

MR. KIRBY:  — but we are not expecting any changes in Iranian behavior, sadly. 

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