Iran's FM discusses nuclear talks, Gaza with Vatican

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 May 2025 10:07
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Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, has met with top Vatican officials in Rome to address Iran-US nuclear talks, the Gaza genocide, and regional peace efforts.

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An Iranian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with senior Vatican officials (X: @IRIMFA_EN)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met on Friday with senior Vatican officials during a visit to Rome for the fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program.

Araghchi's high-level meeting took place with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States.

During the talks, Araghchi extended condolences over the passing of Pope Francis and congratulated the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.

Iran reaffirms commitment to peaceful nuclear program

The conversation covered a range of regional and international issues, including the ongoing Iran-US nuclear talks and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the Israeli war.

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s position on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and updated the Vatican on the status of the indirect negotiations taking place in Rome. He emphasized Tehran’s adherence to international frameworks while continuing to pursue its national interests.

Iranian FM meets with Vatican’s secretaries of state, relations

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of #Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who had traveled to Rome to participate in the fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, met and held discussions on Friday… pic.twitter.com/N8ERzKNAvG
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) May 24, 2025

Araghchi urges global action on Gaza genocide

Turning to the situation in occupied Palestine, the Iranian Foreign Minister described the unfolding catastrophe in Gaza, condemning the massacres and systematic crimes committed by the Israeli occupation.

He stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid and called on the global community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities.

Iran proposes democratic one-state solution for Palestine

Araghchi reiterated Iran’s long-standing position that the root causes of instability in West Asia lie in the occupation, apartheid policies, and the denial of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

He dismissed the so-called "two-state solution" as a failed and unrealistic project, arguing that it has only enabled further erasure of Palestine.

Instead, he proposed the establishment of a single democratic state across the entirety of Palestine, based on a referendum that includes all original inhabitants, Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike.

Strengthening Iran-Vatican relations and interfaith dialogue

The meeting also addressed Iran-Vatican bilateral relations, the importance of interfaith dialogue, and the shared responsibility of religious institutions in promoting peace and justice.