Iran’s foreign minister contended that “if Biden has intentions to lift sanctions and return to the nuclear deal, he should issue an executive order to show his goodwill… On multiple occasions, we have told Americans they should bring forward one or two practical points prior to any agreement, for example by releasing some of Iran’s assets withheld in foreign banks”. The following day, a foreign ministry spokesperson asserted that “we really don’t know whether we’d reach a deal or not, because the U.S. has not still exhibited the necessary determination to reach an agreement… What are still outstanding are more than one subject. All components of the maximum pressure must be removed”.