WANA (Apr 16) – Speaking to reporters, Iran’s Foreign Minister said: “We must hear the real positions of the American side during the negotiations. If they come with constructive positions, I am hopeful that we can begin talks on the framework of a possible agreement.”

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, stated on Wednesday, April 16: “We have heard various—and at times contradictory—positions from the American side, and this certainly does not help the negotiation process.”

 

He added: “Nevertheless, we need to hear their real positions at the negotiating table. If they come with constructive views, I am hopeful that we can start negotiating a framework for a potential agreement. Otherwise, if contradictions continue, it will be difficult to move forward. The true positions will be revealed at the negotiating table.”

 

The Foreign Minister also addressed recent remarks by U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff about “zero enrichment”: “As I’ve mentioned, we’ve heard conflicting and contradictory statements in recent days. Mr. Witkoff himself has spoken in several different tones. The real stance will become clear during direct negotiations.”

 

Delivering a Message from the Supreme Leader to the Russian President

Araghchi also responded to a question about the purpose of his trip to Russia: “My main purpose is to deliver a written message from the Supreme Leader to the Russian leadership, which, God willing, will be handed over during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.”

 

Negotiations Must Be Based on Equality and Mutual Respect

On the issue of ongoing pressure on Iran during the talks, the Foreign Minister stated: “Our position and actions are clear: applying pressure will yield no results. Negotiations can only move forward if they’re based on equal footing and mutual respect. No outcome will come from pressure and coercion—this is something we have proven both in word and action. We participate in the talks calmly, peacefully, and without being influenced by any pressure or external forces.”

The Core Issue of Enrichment Is Non-Negotiable

In response to a question about whether uranium enrichment was discussed during the first round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., Araghchi said: “It is clear that Iran’s enrichment program is a real, recognized, and established matter. We are ready to build trust regarding possible concerns, but the core issue of enrichment is non-negotiable.”

 

Read More:
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle East affairs and head of the U.S. delegation in the nuclear talks with Iran, wrote on his X account on Tuesday, April 15: “Any agreement with the Islamic Republic must align with Donald Trump’s policies.” He said this requires the complete halt and dismantling of Iran’s uranium enrichment and nuclear weapons programs.

 

He added: “Any final agreement must provide a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East—meaning Iran must stop and eliminate its enrichment and weaponization activities.”

 

This comes despite his earlier comments that “Iran has no need for enrichment above 3.67%” and that the core of any agreement with Tehran would include verification of uranium enrichment levels as well as inspections of the military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program—including its missile program.