Progressive talks: Iran, US reach ‘better’ understanding on certain principles

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran and the United States succeeded in reaching a “better understanding” on certain principles and goals.

The Iranian foreign minister and Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy for West Asia affairs, led two rounds of indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat and the Italian capital, Rome, on April 12 and 19, respectively.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi mediated the high-level talks.

"Today, we had a meeting for about four hours and it was a good session with negotiations moving forward,” Araghchi said on Saturday at the end of the second round of talks in Rome.

Exclusive: Iran-US indirect nuclear talks in Rome take place in 'positive atmosphere'

The second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States has taken place in Rome, Italy, in a “positive atmosphere."

Araghchi said the Iranian and US delegations agreed to continue the talks and open expert-level technical discussions in Oman on April 23.

The Iranian foreign minister said a third round of high-level indirect negotiations between him and Witkoff would kick off in Oman on April 26.

The Iranian minister said he does not verify speculations that pursue different objectives about the talks. “When the negotiations reach a conclusion, the results will manifest themselves."

Araghchi said the Iranian delegation is carrying out its task with precision.

"I hope that next week, after the technical sessions, we will be in a better position to judge the possibility of reaching an agreement. We are still proceeding with caution.”

In response to a question about the presence of Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi in Rome, simultaneous with the talks, Araghchi said it was too early for the engagement of the agency in the negotiations.

“We are not still in a position that requires the presence of the agency.”

He said the IAEA would play an “important” role in a possible agreement since the agency is responsible for verifying and monitoring Iran's commitments in the nuclear issue.

“We also do not accept any other body for verification in this regard,” the top Iranian diplomat underscored.

Araghchi said the IAEA chief traveled to Rome “on his own initiative to meet with Italian officials and apparently he also had a meeting with Steve Witkoff."

He said he did not hold a meeting with the IAEA chief, given his recent talks with Grossi in Tehran.

The Iranian minister reiterated that the indirect talks only focus on nuclear issues and will not include any other topics.

“Certainly, nothing other than building confidence regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions is a matter of negotiation,” the Iranian foreign minister stated.

He said the American side has so far observed this issue.

During his first term in office, US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States in 2018 from a previous agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and launched a maximum pressure campaign against the country.

Trump restored that policy after returning to the White House for a second term in January, but he has since signaled a willingness to make a new deal to replace the 2015 deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s leadership, asking for negotiations to reach a new deal and threatening military action if Tehran refused.

Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the US under pressure and threats, but said indirect talks remain an option.

Useful indirect talks in constructive atmosphere: Foreign Ministry spokesman

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and the United States held "useful" indirect talks in Rome in a "constructive atmosphere."

"The two sides agreed to continue the indirect talks in a few days at a technical level to be followed by another round at their own level on coming Saturday," he wrote.

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