WANA (Apr 18) – The  Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran said: On Saturday, we will participate seriously in the indirect negotiations with the United States, and depending on how the other side engages, we will assess and decide how to proceed with the process.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an Army Day ceremony at the Iranian embassy in Russia, discussed his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin and the goals of his trip to Moscow. He said: In this trip, I primarily carried a message from the Supreme Leader, a letter written by him that covered various topics, including regional issues, bilateral matters, and the ongoing cooperation with Russia.

 

He added: The letter contained important points the Leader intended to raise with the Russian president. Mr. Putin read the letter on the spot, after which I provided further explanations, and we had an extensive discussion on bilateral and regional cooperation.

 

The senior Iranian diplomat continued: In our meeting with President Putin, we discussed regional issues in detail, as well as international developments—especially the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., and also talks between Russia and the U.S.

He said: Naturally, both sides shared their perspectives on these matters. In my view, it was a very useful, serious, and action-oriented meeting.

 

Regarding the indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., Araghchi stated: The reality is, we hear conflicting and contradictory messages from the U.S. side. What their true intentions are is up to them. From our point of view, what is expressed at the negotiating table (indirectly and through intermediaries) is what matters and will determine the outcome.

 

He added: In return, we have clearly and firmly expressed our own positions. We are absolutely serious in these negotiations.

 

The senior Iranian diplomat emphasized: Our positions are clear and have been conveyed explicitly to the other side. Our message hasn’t changed and will not change. We’re not speaking in a different tone every day, and we expect the same seriousness and consistency from our counterparts in the negotiations.

 

He continued: Only then can the talks move forward and yield constructive results.

 

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterated: We will attend Saturday’s indirect talks seriously and, based on how the other side approaches the talks, we will assess and decide how to move forward.

 

He also clarified: Rome is not hosting the negotiations; it is merely the location. The actual host of the indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations remains the Omani government. We will attend wherever the host decides, and the role of mediation and communication remains with Oman’s Foreign Minister and government.

 

Araghchi said: Yes, I will travel to Rome on Saturday and begin the second round of indirect negotiations.

 

In another part of his comments, Araghchi stated: China, Russia, and all countries with varying degrees of relations with Iran have expressed their readiness to support the progress of the negotiations.

 

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran concluded: Iran’s readiness to open the door to diplomacy—even indirectly—has been welcomed by all the countries I have spoken with. They have all offered to assist in this process. For now, we are continuing this work through Oman. Russia can definitely play a helpful role in this path.