TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut is scheduled to travel to Moscow later this week.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei Kani announced his upcoming trips at a weekly press conference on Monday. This also included discussions on the latest developments regarding negotiations with Iran, although the visit was planned in advance.
Iran and the US said they had a “positive” conversation over the weekend, but negotiations remained indirect as mediators and negotiations.
“Araguchi will head to Russia later this week for a visit that was arranged previously,” Baghey said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that Foreign Minister Lavrov would meet Aragut.
“We hope that discussions will be planned with Iranian colleague Sergei Lavrov and meetings with Russian officials,” said Maria Zakhalova, the provincial spokesman.
Baghaei also added that Iran is continuing consultations with its European counterparts, referring to a recent trip to Europe by another senior diplomat, Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
Regarding the comprehensive Iran-Russia strategic agreement, Baghey has passed Russia’s Duma and confirmed that Iran is currently in the process of legislative processes. “This was a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he pointed out.
“Iranian governance that does not depend on the nuclear association”
Baghaei also pointed out that domestic governance would not be linked to the outcome of nuclear negotiations, highlighting that all institutions must continue to operate according to regular procedures, regardless of ongoing diplomatic consultations.
Baghaei emphasized that while the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, remains legally valid, Iran is working to address prominent issues by pursuing diplomatic involvement with all original signatories. “The JCPOA is a well-defined living agreement with parties. We believe that we will continue to interact with that framework and prove that these consultations are beneficial,” he said.
Baghaei emphasized that sanctions relief must be concrete rather than symbolic. “We’ve learned from past negotiations. Commitment needs guarantees,” he said.
He highlighted Iran’s diplomatic activities amid major regional and international developments, including the continued Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank. “The genocide continues. Despite international guarantees, the ceasefire is severely violated. Hospitals, journalists and civilians are deliberately targeted,” he said.
Baghey also condemned the ongoing attacks on Yemen and noted Iran’s clear stance on these developments.
“The underlying causes of instability are the occupation of the Zionist regime and apartheid policies,” Baghey said. “This entity is the only entity occupying two countries, but enjoys full Western support.”
“We have to resolve that contradiction.”
In response to comments from the US State Department, urging Iran to act seriously in consultations while threatening continued sanctions, Baghhai said:
He reiterated Iran’s position that the nuclear program remains at peace, and that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly verified this in its report. “Our main demand is the removal of illegal and oppressive sanctions,” he said.
In The Future Gonue for Talks, Baghaei confirms that Iran is in contact with Oman and announces its location once it is complete.
Baghaei has rejected the outlook for a direct meeting with the US, saying it will not occur while Washington continues its pressure campaign. “This language undermines diplomacy and violates the UN Charter,” he said.
He also emphasized that indirect consultations are not uncommon and have proven effective in the past. “We remain open to meaningful diplomacy, but it must be based on trust and assurance rather than symbolic gestures.”
Baghey has made it clear that indirect talks between Iran and the US, mediated by Oman, will not change the structure.
“Grossi visits Tehran on Wednesday”
Baghaei said IAEA Director Rafael Grossi has reached a general agreement to visit Iran. “The trip is likely to take place this week,” he said.
Iran’s Minister of Justice and International Affairs, Qasem Galibabadi confirmed that Rafael Grossi will visit Tehran on Monday.
Galibabadi pointed out that Grossi will hold a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araguchi and head of Iranian Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami.
“This trip is within a framework of continuous interaction and cooperation between the two,” he added.
“The genocide in Gaza must end.”
He highlighted Iran’s diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza and expressed regret over his lack of accountability for Israel’s actions supported by the Western government.
Baghey has condemned suspected plans to forcibly drive Palestinians out of Gaza and the banks of the Jordan River. “The Palestinians remain immovable and will not abandon their land,” he said.
“Iran and Egypt’s relationship with paths of progress”
Baghaei noted that Iran has made steady progress in bilateral dialogue with Egypt, indicating an increase in diplomatic contact.