TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi says the major differences between Iran and the US remain unresolved following indirect negotiations in the third round that ended in Muscat, Oman on Saturday, April 26th.
After the talks, Araguchi said that both sides were moving beyond the general debate and took the detailed issue seriously, but significant disagreements remained. “During the recent negotiations we provided answers to questions on the other side, and the atmosphere was completely serious and work-focused,” he told reporters. “It has been agreed that further reviews will be conducted in the capital prior to the next meeting to identify ways to narrow the gap.”
Araghchi emphasized that the seriousness of both delegations is a promising sign, but optimism must remain cautious. He also confirmed that negotiations for the next round are expected to take place next Saturday in Muscat, with the expected participation of a team of experts being strengthened according to the technical needs of the discussion.
In another statement, Oman Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busadi said that the consultation identified “a common desire to reach an agreement based on mutual respect and a lasting commitment” and added that its core principles, objectives and technical concerns were addressed. He announced that a higher level meeting is scheduled tentatively on May 3rd.
Throughout the negotiations, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeir Bhagihai described the atmosphere as “serious” and said the parties are exchanging opinions through Omani mediators in two major areas. Baghey stressed that protecting Iran’s rights to peaceful nuclear energy is central to debate.
Earlier on Friday, Baghey reiterated that progress would depend on the demonstration of goodwill, seriousness and realism by the US.
Steve Witkov, the envoy of Araguchi and US President Donald Trump, led two rounds of two indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief in Muscat and Rome on April 12 and 19, respectively.
Technical consultations aimed at working through details of potential alternatives to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) were originally scheduled for April 23, but were postponed until April 26, in line with indirect negotiations for the third round.
The Iranian technical delegation was led by Minister of Political Affairs and Foreign Affairs Majid Tak Ravanchi and Deputy Minister of International Law, Kazem Galibabadi. On the US side, Michael Anton, head of policy planning at the State Department, led the technical debate.
Trump withdraws the US from the JCPOA in 2018 while in office in 2018 and reimposes sweeping sanctions against Iran under the “maximum pressure” campaign. After returning to the White House for a second term in January, Trump has recovered that policy, but has recently shown an appetite to negotiate a new deal.
On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders suggesting negotiations for a new agreement. However, Iran has excluded direct consultations under conditions of pressure and threat.
In another memo, Araguchi also attended the 29th Muscat International Book Fair on Friday, where he signed a copy of his book, The Power of Negotiation, at Darru Bampavilion.