Iran’s Foreign Minister said that during Thursday’s talks with the U.S., the two sides entered into detailed discussions on the elements of a potential agreement in both the nuclear-related steps and sanctions termination, noting that understandings are close on some issues while differences remain on others.
Tehran – IranView24
Seyed Abbas Araghchi described this round of talks with the U.S. as one of the most serious, and longest rounds of negotiations so far. “The morning session lasted about four hours, and in the afternoon we continued for approximately two and a half hours,” he said, adding that, as Oman’s foreign minister also noted, “very good progress” was achieved.
Araghchi emphasized that the negotiations were conducted indirectly and mediated by Badr Al-Busaidi. He noted that in certain parts of the discussions, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, conveyed exchanges between the two sides and that his presence was beneficial from a technical standpoint.
“In today’s intensive and lengthy negotiations, we made good progress,” Araghchi said. “In both the sanctions relief track and the nuclear track, we seriously entered into the elements of an agreement.”
He added that on some issues, the parties are now very close to reaching an understanding, while on other matters differences of opinion naturally persist. “Perhaps more than ever before, the seriousness of both sides in seeking a negotiated agreement was evident,” he said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister announced that technical teams will begin expert-level discussions in Vienna starting Monday at the IAEA. With the assistance of the agency’s experts, the teams aim to develop a technical framework on certain issues that would align with the political demands of both sides.
Araghchi said it was agreed that the next round of negotiations would begin very soon, possibly in less than a week.
Regarding sanctions relief, he stressed that Iran clearly outlined its expectations, specifying what must be achieved concerning U.S. unilateral sanctions, their scope, and affected sectors. He also referred to discussions related to the United Nations Security Council and existing differences of opinion, stating that Iran’s views were clearly presented and that the parties agreed to address these matters in greater detail in the next session.
He added that the start of expert and technical discussions in Vienna reflects the level of seriousness both sides have reached in entering detailed and specialized negotiations.
Araghchi further said that certain tasks remain for both parties, including preparing documents and conducting consultations in their respective capitals, after which the next meeting will be held.
He concluded, “In parallel with the political track, technical teams will convene in Vienna in the coming days. their mission is as critical as ours,“ thanking Oman for its persistent good offices, and Switzerland for hosting another round of talks.
