Araghchi says awaiting Oman decision on talks, hands letter to Putin
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Iran's Foreign Minister confirmed that Iran is still awaiting Oman’s decision regarding the venue for the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, speaks in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow on Thursday.
The message addressed key international, regional, and bilateral issues, according to statements made by Araghchi to Iranian media in the Russian capital.
"This trip has several goals," Araghchi said. "Primarily, it was planned to deliver a written message from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to President Putin. It also coincides with recent developments and indirect negotiations."
The minister highlighted the close coordination between Tehran and Moscow on nuclear matters, stating: "We have always had close consultations with our Russian friends on the nuclear issue, and now is a good opportunity to continue these discussions."
Iran-Russia strategic treaty progressing
In addition to nuclear diplomacy, Araghchi noted that talks with Russian officials would also cover the situation in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, and broader regional developments.
Araghchi also emphasized the importance of the Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, describing it as a significant framework for long-term bilateral relations.
"We are pleased that the treaty has completed its stages in the Russian parliament and is currently moving through the legislative process in Iran," he said. "This treaty gives a long-term strategic perspective to our relations."
Indirect talks await Oman decision
In his remarks, Araghchi confirmed that Iran is still awaiting Oman’s decision regarding the venue for the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States.
"Oman is the host country and will decide on the location of the talks," he said.
The first round of indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington, focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, took place last Saturday in the Omani capital.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that the ongoing negotiations are limited strictly to nuclear issues and the removal of what Tehran describes as "unjust sanctions." The talks, he added, will remain indirect and continue under Omani mediation.
Constructive talks, rising tensions
After returning to the office in January, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, calling for dialogue but warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in military action.
While both sides described their previous talks as "constructive," tensions escalated after Witkoff said Tuesday that Iran must “stop and eliminate” uranium enrichment, a shift from his earlier position, which only demanded Iran return to the 3.67% enrichment cap outlined in the original nuclear accord.
Araghchi criticized the Trump administration’s "contradictory and conflicting positions," and said Iran would assess Washington’s real stance in the upcoming negotiations. He also emphasized that any progress would depend on consistent and constructive positions from the US.
