Briefly

IRAN

Direct US talks mulled for 'good' nuclear deal

Iran said on Monday it will consider direct talks with the United States during ongoing negotiations in Vienna, if that is required for a "good agreement" to salvage a 2015 nuclear accord. Talks aimed at restoring the landmark deal started last year in Vienna between Iran and countries still part of the accord. The United States has been taking part in negotiations indirectly. "Iran is not currently talking with the US directly", said Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

BURKINA FASO

UN chief urges parties to exercise restraint

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all actors in Burkina Faso on Monday to exercise restraint and opt for dialogue after the country's army deposed the president in West Africa's latest coup. Guterres "strongly condemns any attempt to take over a government by the force of arms" and "calls on the coup leaders to lay down their arms", according to a statement attributed to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Burkina Faso's army said on Monday that it had ousted President Roch Kabore, suspended the Constitution, dissolved the government and the national assembly, and closed the country's borders. The local Chinese embassy said the more than 500 Chinese citizens in the country are safe.

Agencies - Xinhua