Araghchi: Next Iran-US Talks to be Held in Rome after E3 Meeting

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program will be convened in the Italian capital of Rome on Saturday.

Araqchi told reporters on the sidelines of the Iranian administration's weekly cabinet meeting in the capital on Wednesday that the next round of indirect talks would be held in Rome “as announced by Oman as the host.”

Iran’s foreign minister said the Rome meeting will be preceded by another meeting on Friday between Tehran and the European troika – the UK, France and Germany – the three European signatories to the 2015 Iran deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He said that the role of the three European countries has diminished due to their flawed policies in the course of the long-stalled negotiations, adding, “But we are not willing for this to happen, and that is why we are ready to hold the next round of negotiations with them in Rome.”

Asked about the latest status of Iran's blocked funds due to Western sanctions, Araghchi said the frozen funds are part of the sanctions that must be lifted.

Pointing to a recent round of US sanctions against Tehran, he said, “This certainly bears a negative signal. 

When the opposing parties take provocative actions during negotiations, it can call their seriousness into question. Of course, we are aware that there are different viewpoints in the US and various lobbies are active there.”

The foreign minister confirmed that Iran's red lines for uranium enrichment below 20% percent have been communicated to the US administration.

Araghchi stated that negotiations have no specific timeline, but they are not willing to engage in protracted negotiations and believe the other side shares the same motivation.