First round of US-Iran nuclear talks concludes: Statement from Iran

The indirect talks, held by delegations led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, took place in a "constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect."

The parties agreed to continue the talks next week.

Iranian state media also announced that the talks with the US were constructive. It was reported that the Iranian and US delegations also held direct talks for a few minutes. It was decided that the negotiations would continue next week.

THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS BETWEEN IRAN AND THE US

US President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew his country from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month calling for direct nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Iran responded to the letter, which also contained threats, via Oman, announcing that they would not negotiate directly under threat and pressure, and that they were only prepared for indirect talks.

US President Trump, in his meeting at the White House on April 7 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—who is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity—had announced that "direct" talks would be held between Iran and the US on Saturday.

Trump had argued that "if an agreement cannot be reached, Iran will be in great danger."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated on the same day that the talks between Iran and the US would be held "indirectly" in Oman on April 12.

While Foreign Minister Araghchi leads the Iranian delegation in the negotiations, the US is represented by Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

News Source: AA