TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut announced that a fourth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program took place this Saturday, with Oman having once again brokering the negotiations.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines at Iran’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Aragucci said new discussions will be held in the Italian capital, as confirmed by Oman, and will continue to form a form aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA) and a format aimed at promoting US-led synation childcare.
The Rome Conference will be preceded by another talks between Iran and three European signatories, the 2015 nuclear agreement on Friday. Araghchi admitted that the impact of E3 has declined due to alignment with Washington’s pressure policy, but emphasized Tehran’s willingness to engage European parties.
“We are not prepared to rule them out despite the diminishing role in these negotiations due to the flawed strategies of Europeans,” Araguchi said. “That’s why I agreed to meet again in Rome.”
The Foreign Minister reaffirms Iran’s commitment to diplomatic resolution through “global understanding” and notes that while indirect US consultations are central, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will play an important role if a new agreement is reached.
In response to questions about Iran’s frozen assets overseas, Aragut reiterated that the release of blocked Iranian funds remains a significant demand. “These funds are part of a sanctions regime that must be lifted,” he said.
He criticised the latest US sanctions imposed during the negotiation process and warned that such a move would raise doubts on Washington’s integrity. “These behaviors send negative signals. Of course we recognize the impact of the US internal sector and various lobbying groups,” he said.
When asked if Iran had conveyed a particular red line to the US side, Araguchi said, “Our red line is clear and fully conveyed to the US.”
He also rejected the idea of an open-ended process, saying, “We have not set a formal deadline, but we are not interested in eliciting negotiations. We feel that the other side shares this view.”
Efforts to recover trade have stagnated since the unilateral withdrawal from the US JCPOA in 2018. European signatories initially vowed to maintain the agreement and persuade Washington to re-join, but they ultimately followed the US lead in re-imposed sanctions.
However, in recent months, Oman has promoted three quiet diplomacy. This is aiming to get stuck twice in Muscat, once in Rome, and on April 12th, 19th and 26th. Both Iranian and American officials have previously characterized consultations on “positiveness” and “progress.”