WANA (May 11) – Iran’s Foreign Minister assessed the indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington as “moving forward” and said: “Today’s negotiations were much more serious and straightforward. We have moved significantly away from generalities and entered more detailed matters.”

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Sunday, after the conclusion of the fourth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States in Muscat, held once again under Oman’s mediation, provided explanations regarding this round of negotiations.

 

At the outset, Iran’s foreign minister stated: “Today, the fourth round of talks was held. ” The negotiations were much more serious and explicit than the previous three rounds. We moved away from generalities to more specific issues.”

 

Araghchi emphasized: “Under these circumstances, negotiations become more difficult. However, despite the challenges and the directness of the talks, very useful discussions took place. We can now say that both sides have a better understanding of each other’s positions.”

 

He said: “A large number of the main contentious issues have been more thoroughly discussed, their dimensions clarified, and there is now a better understanding, with positions becoming somewhat closer. In the end, the talks can be assessed as moving forward.”

 

He added, “We have decided that these negotiations will continue,” and said, “Both sides are determined, and an agreement has been reached for the next meeting. However, due to the scheduling constraints of both parties, the exact date and location have been left to the Foreign Minister of Oman. I think it will take place in about a week, give or take a day or two.”

 

Contradictory Media Narratives Are Unacceptable to Us

Regarding the conflicting stances of the American side in the media, Araghchi said: “Unfortunately, we are hearing contradictory positions from the American side, especially in the public and media sphere, which does not help the negotiation process at all. Today, one of our points of discussion was precisely this: such an approach is not beneficial to the talks and needs to be corrected.”

 

“Just as the Islamic Republic of Iran stands firmly by its positions, exercises precision in expressing them, and avoids contradictory or inconsistent statements, we expect the same from the American side,” he said.

 

The senior Iranian diplomat added, “The discussions were very useful, but we hope to see less of such behavior. However, we clearly emphasized that contradictory media interpretations are completely unacceptable to us. This undermines the negotiations, and if it continues, we will be compelled to act accordingly. I think we have come somewhat closer in our understanding and handling of such issues.”

 

No Room for Compromise on Enrichment

Regarding the topics under negotiation, he said: “Sanctions relief and uranium enrichment are the two main subjects of negotiation. From our perspective, enrichment is a matter that must absolutely continue, and there is no room for compromise on it. We may, for the sake of confidence-building, impose certain limitations on its scale, volume, level, or extent during a specific period — but the principle of enrichment itself is absolutely non-negotiable.”

 

“The same goes for the issue of sanctions. Naturally, our intention and objective in the negotiations are the lifting of sanctions. Lifting sanctions is, under all circumstances, one of the foundations of our negotiations, and this is a point agreed upon by both sides,” he added.

 

In conclusion, Araghchi said: “We are now much closer on the contentious issues — at the very least, we understand each other better. I believe our positions are completely clear, and the other side now fully understands their dimensions. I hope that we will make better progress moving forward, God willing.”