Iran-US talks make strides as fourth round set for next week — FM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the third round of Iran-US talks showed significant progress and added that, after consultations with their respective capitals, the fourth round is scheduled for next week.

Addressing Iranian journalists in Geneva on February 26, Araghchi said long hours of discussions with the US had led to good progress, with both sides reaching a “close understanding,” although some differences remain, Caliber.Az reports.

"We got closer to a shared understanding on some key issues," the Iranian FM said.

Aragachi praised his Omani counterpart for his role in facilitating the talks.

He also pointed out that the latest round was among the most serious and longest sessions of the nuclear talks.

Araghchi added that the technical teams were scheduled to begin and review discussions in Vienna on March 2, and that a new round of negotiations would take place in less than a week.

"We have clearly conveyed our demands about the lifting of sanctions," he said.

"Consultations should take place in the respective capitals, and then we will hold the fourth round of talks next week," the minister concluded.

The United States and Iran held indirect negotiations in Geneva on February 26 aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear program, described by a senior US official as “positive” even though no final deal was reached.

Talks were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister and involved US envoys and Iran’s top diplomat, with both sides agreeing to reconvene technical discussions next week in Vienna as they assess proposals and consult their capitals.

By Jeyhun Aghazada