Latest News on the fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations

Araghchi: Fourth round of talks was more serious and candid than the previous three

Foreign Minister:  The fourth round was more serious and candid than the previous three; we moved away somewhat from generalities. In these conditions, negotiations become more challenging.

He continued: Despite the difficulties, very useful discussions took place. Both sides have a better understanding of each other’s positions, and more discussion has occurred on disputed issues. Positions have grown closer, and the talks can be assessed as moving forward.

Araghchi added: The next session has been agreed upon, but the date and location are up to the Omani Foreign Minister. Contradictory media interpretations are not acceptable to us, and if they persist, we will be compelled to respond in kind. Enrichment must absolutely continue; there is no compromise on this, and the principle of enrichment is non-negotiable. The lifting of sanctions remains a fundamental pillar of our negotiations under any circumstances.

Baghaei announces end of talks

Esmaeil Baghaei, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, wrote on the X platform regarding the conclusion of the fourth round of indirect Iran-US talks:

The fourth round of indirect Iran-US talks concluded minutes ago; challenging but productive discussions for better understanding each other’s positions and finding reasonable and realistic ways to resolve disputed issues.

The time and place of the next round of talks will be announced by the Omani coordinator.

Baghaei: Iran firmly pursues its inalienable rights under the NPT

Esmaeil Baghaei, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, wrote on the social media platform X about the fourth round of indirect Iran-US talks:

Another round of indirect Iran-US talks is underway in Muscat.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is firmly determined to pursue its legal rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy in accordance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while fully prepared to continue diplomatic engagements to provide assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

We are simultaneously committed to continuing efforts to end the illegal and inhumane sanctions that have long been imposed on the Iranian people.

Meeting of Iran and Oman foreign ministers in Muscat

The foreign ministers of Iran and Oman met and held consultations on the eve of the fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. negotiations.

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, who traveled to Oman leading a delegation for the fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks, met and held discussions with Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister, upon his arrival in Muscat.

During the meeting, Iran’s Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to his Omani counterpart and the Omani government for hosting and playing a significant facilitating role in the Iran-U.S. talks. He outlined Iran’s perspectives on the most critical aspects of these discussions and the country’s principled and fundamental positions on the matter.

The Omani Foreign Minister emphasized his country’s commitment to providing any assistance to facilitate the negotiation process and briefed Araghchi on the arrangements and preparations made for this round of talks.

Foreign Minister travels to Muscat to participate in the fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that the Foreign Minister traveled to Muscat after necessary consultations in Tehran to participate in the fourth round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks.

According to the spokesperson, this round of talks, like the previous three, will be facilitated by Oman’s Foreign Minister and will involve senior negotiators from the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States.

Baghaei noted that the negotiations will begin around 12:00 today in Muscat, with Iran’s delegation, including a technical-expert team to provide necessary consultations during the talks, already stationed in Muscat.

The spokesperson emphasized that Iran’s delegation, guided by the directives and frameworks set by the country’s decision-making hierarchy, will spare no effort to safeguard the interests of the Iranian nation, protect Iran’s valuable achievements in the field of peaceful nuclear energy, and work toward lifting unjust economic sanctions and restrictions.

Araghchi: We hope to reach a decisive point in this round

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister, stated in an interview: “After yesterday’s trip to the region and consultations with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, I am heading to Muscat for the new round of negotiations. We held further consultations in Tehran this morning.”

He continued: “In this round, we hope to reach a decisive point. Unfortunately, we hear contradictory and inconsistent statements from the other side in interviews and public positions. Their stances shift inside and outside the negotiations or between the talks and the media, which is one of the challenges of these negotiations. Unlike the other side, we have clear and consistent positions.”

Araghchi said: “Enrichment is one of Iran’s achievements and prides, for which a heavy price has been paid, including the blood of our nuclear scientists. This is absolutely non-negotiable. If the other side has questions, ambiguities, or concerns, we are ready to build confidence and take actions to foster greater trust. This has always been our logic, as it was in past negotiations.”

He added: “Based on this logic, we have presented a plan that can guarantee that Iran’s nuclear program will always remain peaceful. They have also presented their plans, but we see contradictory ideas from them. On the eve of this new round, I must reiterate that the rights of the Iranian people are clear, and our principles and positions on the nuclear program are completely transparent. These are not subject to compromise or trade. However, for confidence-building and transparency, we are ready to do more than what is already in place, and we hope the other side comes with clear negotiating logic.”

According to Araghchi, negotiation issues should be discussed at the table, and publicizing them through the media contradicts the spirit of negotiations, casting doubt on the seriousness and commitment of the other side.

He stressed: “We hope that in this round, we can have constructive and forward-looking negotiations while preserving the Islamic Republic of Iran’s principled positions. As I have said many times, I repeat: if the goal is to ensure that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons, this is entirely achievable, and an agreement with this objective is certainly within reach.”

Araghchi emphasized: “However, if they make unreasonable or unrealistic demands that are not feasible, the negotiations will naturally face challenges. Our expert team has already arrived and is stationed in Muscat, and we will draw on their expertise as needed.”