WANA (Apr 30) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of today’s cabinet meeting, announced that the next round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place in Rome.

 

He also noted that Iran will meet with the three European countries involved in the negotiations prior to the next round. “On Friday, we will hold a session with the three European states before the upcoming round of talks,” he said.

 

Addressing recent U.S. sanctions imposed during the ongoing negotiations, Araghchi remarked, “Such actions certainly send a negative signal. When the opposing parties take provocative measures during talks, it can cast doubt on their seriousness. However, we understand that there are differing viewpoints and various lobbying groups operating within the U.S.”

 

In response to a question about whether emerging disagreements in the second round could impact the overall process, the foreign minister replied, “Every negotiation is based on differences. If there were no differences, there would be no need for talks.”

 

Araghchi further criticized the role of European countries, saying, “In my opinion, due to the misguided policies they adopted, the role of the three European countries has diminished. Nevertheless, we are not in favor of this outcome, which is why we are prepared to hold the next round of talks with them in Rome.”

 

He added: “We are interested in resolving this issue through global understanding and dialogue. While we continue our discussions with Europe, the main negotiations are now taking place with the United States.”

 

Regarding the IAEA’s role in Iran-US talks, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated that while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) may play a central role in verifying any future nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States, the agency currently has no involvement in the ongoing indirect negotiations.

 

“In principle, the verification of nuclear-related issues in any potential agreement would fall under the IAEA’s mandate,” the foreign minister said. “Should an agreement be reached, the agency will have a significant role, but that role itself will also be subject to negotiation. For now, the IAEA does not have a role in the current talks.”

 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment in response to a similar question, calling the IAEA’s past role in negotiations “constructive.” He added, “This constructive role can continue, and Iran remains in consultation with the agency. These consultations will proceed depending on the direction of the indirect negotiations with the Americans.”

 

Araghchi also emphasized that Iran’s red lines in the negotiations are “absolutely clear” and have been explicitly conveyed to the U.S. side.

 

Addressing the issue of where the negotiations are being held, the foreign minister said that Oman is hosting the talks, but due to logistical and technical considerations, the second and fourth rounds are taking place in Rome.

 

“For us, the location of the talks is not a critical issue worth wasting time over,” he stated. “What matters is the substance of the negotiations and the role of the mediator. Except for a few specific places, the venue is not an issue, and we won’t allow it to become a distraction.”

 

On the duration of the talks, the foreign minister clarified that while no formal timeline has been set, Iran is not interested in dragging out the process. “We are not pursuing protracted negotiations or looking to waste time,” he said. “It seems the other side shares the same motivation.”

 

Araghchi, also referring to Iran’s frozen assets in certain countries, said: “The blocking of these assets is part of the sanctions that must be lifted.”