Iran's FM heads to Moscow to discuss US talks with Russian officials

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Moscow later this week, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who made the announcement during his regular press briefing on April 14.

Baghaei noted that Araghchi’s trip had been planned in advance and said the minister would use the opportunity to hold consultations with Russian officials about the ongoing negotiations with the United States, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

“Araghchi will make a pre-scheduled visit to Moscow this week, during which he will discuss the latest developments in the Muscat talks,” Baghaei stated.

On April 12, Iranian and American delegations held an initial round of indirect talks in Oman, with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi serving as the mediator. In line with Iran’s request, the negotiations were not conducted face-to-face, but through the Omani mediator. Each delegation remained in separate rooms, with messages being passed back and forth.

Following the session, Araghchi said the Iranian and American delegations had a brief exchange as they left the venue.

“After more than two and a half hours of indirect discussions, the heads of both delegations spoke briefly in the presence of the Omani foreign minister as we were departing. This short encounter was in keeping with our diplomatic customs,” Araghchi explained.

He described the talks as having taken place in a "productive, calm, and positive atmosphere" and confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue discussions, possibly on April 19.

“Iran and the US are seeking a short-term agreement,” he added. “We are not interested in talks for the sake of talks.”

American officials also described the meeting as constructive, with President Donald Trump commenting that negotiations with Iran are “going okay.”

By Khagan Isayev