Iran prepares for next round of indirect nuclear talks in Rome
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Iran’s foreign minister criticizes new US sanctions as counterproductive to diplomacy, ahead of key nuclear negotiations in Rome with American and European officials.
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In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, steps out from his plane as he arrives in Muscat, Oman, Friday, April 25, 2025, a day prior to negotiations with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized new US sanctions, warning that such measures could undermine the ongoing diplomatic process between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Araghchi said the US sanctions' impact on Iran talks raises doubts about Washington’s sincerity.
"If during negotiations, the opposing parties engage in provocative actions, it can cast doubt on their seriousness," Araghchi stated, adding that the timing of the sanctions sends a negative message during sensitive discussions.
Araghchi criticizes US actions amid negotiations
The top Iranian figure acknowledged internal divisions in the United States that may be influencing the sanctions, saying, "We are aware of the internal disagreements in the US and the active lobbying efforts. We are closely monitoring all these developments and will make decisions accordingly."
Despite tensions, Iran remains engaged in indirect talks with the US. According to Araghchi, the next round of talks is scheduled to be held in the Italian capital.
"Every negotiation is based on differences, and the goal of negotiations is to resolve differences and reach a common understanding. The next round of negotiations will be in Rome," he said.
He clarified that although the Oman-hosted US-Iran talks began earlier, logistical reasons prompted the relocation of the upcoming session to Rome. "The host of the talks is Oman, and for logistical reasons, they decided to hold the talks in Rome. In our opinion, the location of the talks is not a very important place to waste time on."
Iran prepares for Rome talks with the US and E3
Iranian Foreign Minister said that no fixed timetable has been set, but both sides appear to be serious about reaching a resolution. "The talks do not have a specific timetable, and we did not set a time for it," he noted.
He emphasized that Iran aims to proceed efficiently and believes the other side is equally committed to making meaningful progress.
Furthermore, Araghchi said Iran is also preparing to meet with the political directors of France, Britain, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, on Friday in Rome. "We will also have a meeting with three European countries on Friday in Rome," he confirmed.
Commenting on Europe’s diminished influence in the current round of discussions, Araghchi said, "The three European countries currently play a minor role due to the wrong policies they have adopted, which we do not want to see happen, and for this reason, we are prepared to hold serious negotiations with their presence."
It is worth noting that two diplomatic sources confirmed to Reuters that Iran nuclear talks with E3 will take place on Friday, underscoring Tehran’s effort to gauge the European position on UN sanctions, particularly ahead of the potential expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal’s resolution in October.
IAEA role reserved for post-agreement verification
Araghchi clarified that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not currently have a role in the ongoing talks. However, he stated that if an agreement is eventually reached, the IAEA would be tasked with verifying the nuclear-related aspects of the deal.
As the Rome discussions approach, Iran appears to be calibrating its approach carefully, balancing negotiations with the US and E3 against the backdrop of new sanctions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
