TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut held separate telephone conversations with his Swiss and Pakistani counterparts, explaining the latest developments in ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the US on the revival of the nuclear deal in 2015 and the dismissal of US sanctions.
In a Sunday call with Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Aragucci thanked Bern for his constructive role during early nuclear negotiations that culminated in the 2015 Landmarks Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA).
Minister Cassis welcomed the resumption of indirect dialogue between Tehran and Washington, and Switzerland’s preparations have been repeated to provide all forms of support to facilitate consultation. The two diplomats also exchanged views on a broader international issue of bilateral relations and common concerns.
Araguchi also updated Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishak Dal on the perspective of consultation and exchange on regional development, particularly the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of close coordination between Tehran and Islamabad, and emphasized the need for more frequent, high-level consultations to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
These arguments arise as momentum builds behind a new phase of indirect diplomacy between Iran and the United States. The US President’s envoys on West Asia, Araguchi and Steve Witkov, have previously held two rounds of high-level negotiations in Muscat on April 12th and in Rome on April 19th.
Following the conclusion of the second round, Araguchi said that both sides achieved a “better understanding” of key principles and objectives, and described the atmosphere as “constructive but challenging.” The parties agreed to begin expert-level discussions in Oman on April 23rd with the aim of resolving details of the potential agreement. High-level negotiations for the third round are scheduled for April 26th at MUSAT, which will assess the progress of technical consultations and determine the feasibility of a formal agreement.
Meanwhile, players from other regions have expressed support for the diplomatic initiative. On Saturday, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al Ansari praised Oman’s efforts to bridge the gap between Tehran and Washington.