Iran 'cautiously optimistic' about indirect talks with US: Araghchi
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Mixed signals from Washington's side have forced a state of "cautious optimism" amid the ongoing talks.
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister following their talks in Moscow on April 18, 2025 (POO /AFP)
Iran maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook regarding indirect talks with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated, stressing that this caution stems from the contradictory messages and behaviors coming out of Washington.
Speaking after his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, Araghchi explained that the bilateral discussions had seen relative progress, and a good understanding had been reached, compared to previous rounds, regarding the foundations and objectives of the talks. This, he noted, opens the door for continued negotiations in the next phase.
The top Iranian diplomat emphasized that if Washington’s sole demand is that Iran not possess nuclear weapons, then this is an achievable goal but warned that if the US demands are impractical and unreasonable, they will inevitably lead to complications and challenges.
Wang and Araghchi discussed bilateral relations and international affairs, particularly the Iranian nuclear file and the ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the US. Araghchi also highlighted that there is now a very strong understanding between Iran and China.
'Israel' seeks to derail diplomacy, Iran on high alert: Araghchi
On Wednesday, Araghchi stated that "the Israeli regime's attempts to divert the course of diplomacy have become completely clear," adding that "the use of various methods by this regime to obstruct diplomatic efforts is no longer hidden from anyone."
In a post on X, the Iranian foreign minister confirmed that "our intelligence and security services are on full alert to counter any acts of sabotage or assassinations that may be carried out to provoke us into a legitimate response."
He also anticipated that "those accustomed to misleading public opinion" might once again spread false claims, noting that "they might even accompany them with frightening satellite images."
Araghchi stressed that "there is one truth, which is that every milligram of enriched uranium in Iran is under full and continuous supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency."
Tehran and Washington held two rounds of indirect nuclear talks on consecutive Saturdays in Muscat and Rome, starting on April 12.
Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has reimposed sweeping sanctions under his policy of "maximum pressure" against Tehran.
In March, he sent a letter to the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, calling for talks but warning of possible military action if they failed to produce a deal.
Oman said the third round of talks, set for Saturday, April 26, would again be held in Muscat.
On Tuesday, Iran announced that a technical expert-level nuclear meeting between the two countries will also be held on Saturday.
"The expert and high-level indirect talks in Oman will not be held simultaneously," state TV reported on Wednesday.
"Iranian and American experts will first hold their indirect talks and convey the results of the talks to the high-level officials, who will then start their discussions," the report said.
Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are leading the negotiations, with Oman mediating.
After last Saturday's Rome talks, Araghchi said the meeting was "good" and that the negotiations were "moving forward".
On Monday, Trump said Washington had "very good meetings" on Iran.
Read more: Indirect Iran-US talks in Oman to proceed in separate stages
