WANA (Apr 18) – Reports claiming that Iran’s Foreign Minister “suspended the negotiations for 15 minutes due to the American side raising non-nuclear issues” are false.

 

There has been no pause or suspension in the indirect talks between Iran and the United States; the negotiations are ongoing.

 

The discussions continue to take place at the Omani ambassador’s residence in Rome.

 

Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, today urged the media not to give credibility to false and misleading reports.

 

Speaking with an IRIB correspondent in Oman, Baghaei addressed the misinformation and media spin surrounding the negotiations: “Such media tactics are not unusual. We’ve dealt with similar narratives and distortions in the past. At the Foreign Ministry, we consider it our duty to provide accurate and reliable information.”

 

He emphasized, “We are moving forward with focus and determination, without being distracted by the media noise, and we are acting in line with the national interests of the Iranian people.”

 

The spokesperson also stated that the current round of negotiations is being conducted in the same format as the initial talks in Muscat, with the two delegations stationed in separate rooms.

 

Some media outlets have claimed that the negotiations were suspended when the Iranian team left the room for prayers.

 

An IRIB correspondent in Rome reported: “There is a great deal of media noise and speculation around the talks. When the Iranian delegation steps out to pray, some outlets falsely report that the negotiations have been halted. What can be stated with certainty is that the talks are ongoing, and in my opinion, the media speculation does not affect the performance of the Iranian negotiating team.”

 

The indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. began at 11:00 a.m. local time in Italy (12:30 p.m. Tehran time) and are still in progress.