Patriota made the remarks in an exclusive interview with the English-language Hurriyet Daily News in Istanbul on Thursday.
“The attempt [in 2010], I think, was one of genuine good faith to adopt a confidence-building measure that would represent a step forward in dealing with a very challenging issue. What we’ve seen since May 2010 is that other strategies have not produced better results, namely the unilateral sanctions or the other threats that have been directed against Iran,” he said.
The Brazilian foreign minister further said he has been hearing many voices say the new round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany -- may possibly bring diplomacy back to the scene.
Iran issued a declaration with Turkey and Brazil on May 17, 2011, under which Tehran expressed readiness to exchange 1,200 kg of its low-enriched uranium on Turkish soil with 20 percent-enriched nuclear fuel rods.
The 20-percent enriched fuel would be used to power the Tehran Research Reactor, which produces radioisotopes for the treatment of cancer patients.
The trio's agreement was issued in line with efforts to end the standoff between Iran and the West over Tehran's nuclear program.
The US and its European allies, however, snubbed the declaration and used their influence at the UN Security Council to impose a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear work.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.
Iran argues that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
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