Iran's foreign minister criticizes US sanctions amid ongoing indirect talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions during the ongoing indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, warning that such actions undermine the credibility of the diplomatic process.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on April 30, Araghchi warned that the latest US measures send the wrong signal and could jeopardize the fragile momentum of talks, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media. 

“If during negotiations, the opposing parties engage in provocative actions, it can cast doubt on their seriousness,” he stated.

The Iranian diplomat emphasized that while indirect talks continue, Iran is carefully monitoring political developments within the United States. “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,” Araghchi noted.

He confirmed that the next round of talks between Iran and the United States will take place in Rome, hosted by Oman for logistical reasons. “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 explained. “In our opinion, the location of the talks is not a very important place to waste time on.”

Araghchi clarified that there is no fixed timetable for the negotiations, but reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to progressing the discussions efficiently. “The negotiations do not have a specific timetable, and we did not set a time for it,” he said. “Iran is not looking to waste time, and he feels that the other side has the same motivation.”

Touching on the European Union’s role, Araghchi acknowledged the marginalization of three European nations in the process due to their “wrong policies,” but indicated Iran’s readiness to engage with them constructively. “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.”

“We will also have a meeting with three European countries on May 2 in Rome,” he added.

Regarding nuclear oversight, Araghchi stated, “The IAEA will ultimately have a verification role in the negotiations, and currently, there is no role for the Agency in the agreement and negotiations. If an agreement is reached, the verification part of nuclear energy will be assigned to the Agency.”

By Vafa Guliyeva