WANA (Apr 26) –  Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Saturday, following the third round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. in Muscat, provided details about the negotiations.

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister stated: “The third round of negotiations was held in Muscat. We are very grateful to Oman and its Foreign Minister. A calm environment prevailed. The negotiations were much more serious than before and gradually entered more detailed, technical, and specialized discussions.”

 

He noted that written views were exchanged several times and described the overall environment as serious and professional. While acknowledging differences on both major and detailed issues, Araghchi said the capitals (Tehran and Washington) would study ways to reduce disagreements before the next session.

 

Araghchi stated: “It was completely evident that both sides entered the negotiations seriously, and this creates an environment where we can be hopeful that progress is possible. Our optimism is extremely cautious, and there are issues on which general understandings must be reached first, and then negotiations on details can follow.”

 

Regarding the next round of negotiations, he said: “It will likely be again on Saturday, and the details and location will be arranged by the host country, Oman, and communicated to both sides.”

 

Regarding the negotiation level, Araghchi said it would remain at the current level, involving himself, Mr. Witkoff, and accompanying experts.

 

He added that experts are selected according to the topics under discussion. For the first time, economic experts participated in this round, and technical nuclear experts are expected to join future sessions as talks become more specialized.

 

Araghchi emphasized that the talks are focused solely on nuclear issues, specifically building trust in Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions, and that no other subjects are under negotiation.

 

“Our topic is only the nuclear issue, and we are not negotiating any other subject. When we speak of nuclear, it means building trust in Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. We are negotiating only within this framework, and we do not accept negotiations on any other subject. In the past three rounds as well, this has been fully respected by both sides.”

 

The senior Iranian diplomat also commented on the will of the opposite side: “When we say the negotiation atmosphere was serious, it means both sides demonstrated their will to make progress. However, in some cases, willpower alone is not enough, and the differences might be so serious that an outcome cannot be reached. In other words, willpower alone does not guarantee success. Success happens when the views and demands of both sides are met to a certain extent, and each side reaches a level of satisfaction in the negotiations.”

 

Araghchi concluded by saying that while some differences are serious and complex, past experiences help the negotiations move faster. He expressed satisfaction with the process so far but remained cautiously hopeful about reaching an agreement.

 

“I am satisfied with the structure and pace of the negotiations. I think the process is going well. The talks have a good atmosphere, seriousness, and will are present, but whether an agreement will be reached — I am hopeful, but very cautious,” Araghchi stated.