Good Progress in Geneva Talks, Next Talks to Be Held Within a Week

WANA (Feb 26) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, said Thursday night that “good progress” had been achieved following the third round of nuclear negotiations held in Geneva, noting that the talks had entered into the core elements of a potential agreement, including both nuclear and sanctions-related issues.

Speaking after the conclusion of the lengthy discussions, Araghchi described the latest round as one of the “most serious and longest” negotiating sessions to date. According to him, the parties met for nearly four hours in the morning and more than two hours in the afternoon.

The negotiations were conducted indirectly, with Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister, facilitating exchanges between the two sides. In certain segments of the talks, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, also conveyed technical discussions between the parties.

Araghchi said Grossi’s presence was “useful in terms of technical discussions,” while praising Albusaidi’s customary role in mediation. “During these long and intensive hours, we achieved good progress,” he stated.

He added that the two sides had “seriously entered into the elements of an agreement,” both in the nuclear field and in matters related to sanctions relief. While some issues have now reached a mutual understanding, he acknowledged that differences remain on others. However, he noted that both sides demonstrated greater seriousness than before in pursuing a negotiated solution.

The Iranian foreign minister announced that technical teams will begin expert-level discussions on Monday in Vienna at the IAEA. The aim, he said, is to work through technical details and develop a framework aligned with the political positions of both parties.

A new round of negotiations is expected to be held soon, possibly within the next week. Araghchi described the third round overall as “one of the best” and among the most serious and longest sessions so far. Albusaidi also noted in a social media post that “very good progress” had been made.

Regarding sanctions relief, Araghchi emphasized that Iran had clearly articulated its expectations, particularly concerning unilateral U.S. sanctions and related matters at the United Nations Security Council. He said Iran outlined in detail what measures it expects to see implemented and that more in-depth discussions on sanctions would take place during the next session.

The launch of technical meetings at the IAEA, he concluded, demonstrates that both sides have reached a level of seriousness sufficient to move into detailed expert discussions. Preparations are now underway for the fourth round of talks, with both sides expected to draft documents, conduct consultations in their respective capitals, and reconvene in the coming days.

The venue of the nuclear negotiations in Geneva and the arrival and departure of the negotiating delegations. Social media/ WANA News Agency