Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi: Negotiations are limited

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made statements to Iranian state television following the second round of indirect negotiations held with the US at the Omani Embassy in Rome, the capital of Italy.

Araghchi stated, "We held a meeting today that lasted approximately 4 hours. As in the previous meeting, we have made positive progress in these negotiations as well. This time, we have reached a better understanding regarding the goals and foundations of the negotiations."

Expressing that they have agreed to continue the negotiations and move to the next stage to begin technical-level discussions, Araghchi said, "This Wednesday, technical discussions at the expert level will be held in Oman. In the technical-level meetings, expert delegations will go into details to establish the necessary framework for an agreement. Afterward, we will meet again in Oman on Saturday to address the technical-level discussions and evaluate how close we are to an agreement."

"WE ARE CONTINUING THE PROCESS"

Addressing claims in the press during the meetings with the US delegation, Araghchi stated that any information or claims conveyed by sources other than official authorities should not be given credence, adding, "The indirect negotiations we are conducting with the US are just one of the tasks that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is carrying out and following, just as the Supreme Leader has expressed. The process is moving forward naturally, and I do not think there is any need to get excited or raise expectations regarding the negotiations. We are neither too optimistic nor too pessimistic about the negotiations. We are continuing the process in a controlled and cautious manner."

"THE GOAL IS TO ENSURE CONFIDENCE AND LIFT SANCTIONS"

On the other hand, speaking to the Iranian press, Araghchi emphasized that the indirect negotiations with the US are limited only to nuclear issues. Araghchi stated, "For us, the goal of the negotiations is only to ensure confidence in Iran's peaceful nuclear program and, in return, the lifting of sanctions. We are determined on this matter, and it is not possible to go outside this framework. So far, the Americans have also adhered to this principle."

EXPECTATIONS OF THE PARTIES

The first and second rounds of talks are seen as processes aimed at first building mutual trust and then creating a framework toward an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The US wants Iran to stop the production of highly enriched uranium, which it believes is used in the construction of an atomic bomb. Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program has always been peaceful, states that it is ready to "restrict" its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, while also demanding guarantees that the US will not backtrack.

It is stated that Iran will not agree to dismantle its uranium enrichment centrifuges, stop uranium enrichment entirely, or reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below the levels agreed upon in the 2015 agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made statements to Iranian state television following the second round of indirect negotiations held with the US at the Omani Embassy in Rome, the capital of Italy. Araghchi stated, "We held a meeting today that lasted approximately 4 hours. As in the previous meeting, we have made positive progress in these negotiations as well. This time, we have reached a better understanding regarding the goals and foundations of the negotiations."

Expressing that they have agreed to continue the negotiations and move to the next stage to begin technical-level discussions, Araghchi said, "This Wednesday, technical discussions at the expert level will be held in Oman. In the technical-level meetings, expert delegations will go into details to establish the necessary framework for an agreement. Afterward, we will meet again in Oman on Saturday to address the technical-level discussions and evaluate how close we are to an agreement."

"WE ARE CONTINUING THE PROCESS"

Addressing claims in the press during the meetings with the US delegation, Araghchi stated that any information or claims conveyed by sources other than official authorities should not be given credence, adding, "The indirect negotiations we are conducting with the US are just one of the tasks that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is carrying out and following, just as the Supreme Leader has expressed. The process is moving forward naturally, and I do not think there is any need to get excited or raise expectations regarding the negotiations. We are neither too optimistic nor too pessimistic about the negotiations. We are continuing the process in a controlled and cautious manner."

"THE GOAL IS TO ENSURE CONFIDENCE AND LIFT SANCTIONS"

On the other hand, speaking to the Iranian press, Araghchi emphasized that the indirect negotiations with the US are limited only to nuclear issues. Araghchi stated, "For us, the goal of the negotiations is only to ensure confidence in Iran's peaceful nuclear program and, in return, the lifting of sanctions. We are determined on this matter, and it is not possible to go outside this framework. So far, the Americans have also adhered to this principle."

EXPECTATIONS OF THE PARTIES

The first and second rounds of talks are seen as processes aimed at first building mutual trust and then creating a framework toward an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The US wants Iran to stop the production of highly enriched uranium, which it believes is used in the construction of an atomic bomb. Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program has always been peaceful, states that it is ready to "restrict" its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, while also demanding guarantees that the US will not backtrack.

It is stated that Iran will not agree to dismantle its uranium enrichment centrifuges, stop uranium enrichment entirely, or reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below the levels agreed upon in the 2015 agreement.