WANA (Apr 28) – The spokesperson of the Iranian Parliament’s Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy stated: Mr. Takhteravanchi mentioned that the next round of negotiations will be next Saturday, but the location has not been determined yet. His overall assessment of the Oman talks was that they were not negative, and there was no threat or bad behavior involved in the discussions. He predicted that future meetings will focus on the details.

 

Ebrahim Rezaei, referring to today’s session of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, which was attended by Takhteravanchi, the political deputy of Iran’s foreign minister, explained: In this session, Mr. Takhteravanchi provided a report on the third round of negotiations.

 

He explained: Takhteravanchi referenced the previous two rounds of talks in Muscat and Rome, noting that those discussions were about the generalities, and it was expected that in the third round, the discussions would delve into the details.

 

Takhteravanchi also referred to the contradictory positions of the Americans, stating that uranium enrichment is our red line and we will not back down on it. In this round, we sought to establish a clear framework and move into the text.

 

The spokesperson of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy added that Takhteravanchi emphasized that Oman has been, and will continue to be, the mediator in these talks. The third round of negotiations had two main aspects: one being the assurance of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, and the other the lifting of all sanctions.

 

He added: In today’s session, it was stressed that it is necessary to ensure Iran’s effective benefit from economic gains and the normalization of trade through the removal of sanctions. Our people must benefit economically, trade must be normalized, and sanctions must be lifted not just on paper, but in practice, ensuring that the agreement is sustainable.

 

Rezaei continued: Discussions on bilateral economic and commercial cooperation were also raised. Takhteravanchi emphasized that destructive actions during the negotiations and after any possible agreement should not occur. It was highlighted in the session that oil, petrochemical, gas, shipping, financial, and banking sanctions must be lifted. Iranian resources and money abroad must be freed, and all sanctions on trade, industry, mining, transport, and insurance should be removed. Sanctions on entities and individuals must be lifted, and Iran’s case in the UN Security Council and the Board of Governors must be concluded.

 

He continued: Takhteravanchi also gave some explanations about joint actions, stating that efforts were made during the negotiations to respond to the questions of the opposing side. He explained that these talks were a combination of technical discussions and meetings between the heads of delegations, merging both aspects into one.

 

Location of the Third Round of Talks Still Unclear

The spokesperson of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy stated: Takhteravanchi mentioned that the next round of negotiations will be next Saturday, but the location is still not determined. His overall assessment of the Oman talks was that they were not negative, with no threats or bad behavior during the discussions. He predicted that future sessions would need to focus on the details.

 

We Are in Close Contact with China and Russia

Rezaei stated: Takhteravanchi emphasized that we are not linking our economy to the negotiations and are approaching them cautiously. He stressed cooperation and coordination with China and Russia, noting that we are in high-level communication with them.

 

He explained: The political deputy of the foreign minister provided details about Iran’s relations with China and Russia. He also emphasized that the issues of zero enrichment and missile discussions have not been brought up in the negotiations, referring to these as red lines. He stated that zero enrichment, or the country’s defensive capabilities and regional power, are red lines, and we are not negotiating on these matters. These have not been raised in the discussions, which have focused solely on the nuclear issue. If any external demands are imposed, we will not accept them. We negotiate based on our principles and in line with our guidelines.

 

He added: Takhteravanchi emphasized that the comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia must be expedited and approved as soon as possible.

 

He pointed out: The head of the National Security Committee also stated that Parliament will support any action that ensures national interests, security, and dignity, and negotiations must protect our national and security interests.

 

Rezaei explained: Another point emphasized in the meeting was that if the “snapback” mechanism is activated, we will activate our own levers, including withdrawing from the NPT.

 

The spokesperson of the National Security Committee stated: The committee members emphasized that the negotiations should not be tied to economic matters, underscoring the need to focus on relations with the East, specifically China and Russia. They stressed the necessity of maintaining nuclear balance in the negotiations and avoiding unnecessary concessions. They also emphasized that red lines such as zero enrichment and defense and missile capabilities should not be negotiated. The committee urged the American delegation to explain why they are threatening and imposing sanctions simultaneously with the negotiations. Additionally, the Iranian nuclear and non-nuclear dossiers at the Security Council must be closed. It is crucial that the exact commitments of the U.S. are clarified. The members also strongly criticized the contradictory positions and threats from the U.S. and stated that Iran must enter the negotiations in a demanding position, ensuring that domestic issues are not linked to the talks.

 

He added: The members also emphasized that a strategic agreement must be presented to Parliament. The foreign ministry officials mentioned that the comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia is currently with the government and will soon be presented to the Islamic Consultative Assembly.