John Kerry actually said...

"I have long said that, following consultation with our allies and partners, we have to engage directly with Iran."

"America's principal interest is lasting stability in the Middle East and the gulf region."

"I believe we can and indeed should work through both bilateral and multilateral channels in parallel."

"I am convinced we've got to be smart, restrained, thoughtful, skilled in our diplomacy, so that we have an opportunity to really pursue every avenue with the greatest potential for success."