Kerry: Opportunity for Iran diplomacy cracking open

Laura Rozen

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (C) arrives at a meeting of the foreign ministers representing the permanent five member countries of the United Nations Security Council, including Germany, at the U.N. Headquarters in New York September 26, 2013. U.S. and Iranian officials emerged upbeat on Thursday from a meeting on Iran's nuclear program but both sides also sounded a cautionary note, with the United States saying there was more work to do and Iran insisting on quick sanctions relief. REUTERS/Eric Thaye — US Secretary of State John Kerry (C) arrives at a meeting of the foreign ministers representing the permanent five member countries of the United Nations Security Council, including Germany, at the UN Headquarters in New York, Sept. 26, 2013. — REUTERS/Eric Thayer

While aides say Secretary of State John Kerry has no plans to attend Iran nuclear talks with six world powers due to get underway in Geneva Tuesday, there are hints Kerry may decide to do so on his own, or pursue a follow up meeting with his Iranian counterpart soon.

"Yes, there is a chance, but no decision has been made and, for now, it is not happening," one US official, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor Sunday. "His aides are advising no, but Kerry often makes these types of calls on his own."

Kerry "has no plans" to come to Geneva, a State Department official said Sunday.

Kerry met with chief international negotiator, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, in London Sunday, to discuss the upcoming Iran talks, Syria, and Middle East peace, the State Department said. He is scheduled to travel next to Paris.

Kerry: Opportunity for Iran diplomacy cracking open

While Kerry has not announced plans to join the P5+1 Iran Nuclear talks, there are hints he might do so despite his aides advising against it.

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