The second round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States took place in the Italian capital, Rome, on Saturday in a “positive atmosphere,” according to a Press TV reporter.
Reporting from outside the venue, Gisoo Misha Ahmadi, who accompanied the Iranian delegation, provided live updates on the talks that came a week after the first round of talks in Muscat.
Following what have been described as constructive talks in Rome, the Iranian, American and Omani delegations are likely to hold a third round of the negotiations within the next few days, IRIB reported.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, the US president’s special envoy for West Asia affairs, on Saturday, led the high-level talks mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The talks lasted for more than four hours.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the indirect talks were held at the residence of the Omani ambassador in Rome and in two separate halls.
He added that Iran participated in the sanctions-removal talks “with complete seriousness and readiness” and would continue its cooperation as long as the talks proceed in a constructive way.
“Iran’s nuclear program is completely peaceful, and Iran is ready to dispel any doubts in this regard,” Baghaei asserted.
Iran’s “fixed and principled” stance during the talks with the US, he said, is the removal of the “unlawful” sanctions in a reliable manner with all the necessary guarantees.
The spokesman noted that the Iranian foreign minister held a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani, ahead of the beginning of indirect talks with the US. The two sides discussed mutual relations as well as leading regional and international developments.
Araghchi hailed efforts by Italy to host the second round of the talks.
Baghaei said the Omani foreign minister had a hectic day, constantly shuttling between the Iranian and US delegations to convey messages.
At the end of the first round of the talks on April 12, Araghchi and Witkoff said the process was constructive.
Speaking in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow on Friday, Araghchi said an agreement with the United States is possible as long as Washington does not put forward “unrealistic” demands.
“I believe there is a possibility of reaching an agreement if they [Americans] demonstrate seriousness of intent and make no unrealistic and unreasonable demands,” he said.
Iran, US seek to seal fair, enduring, binding nuclear deal: Oman’s Foreign Ministry
In a statement on Saturday, Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the indirect talks between Araghchi and Witkoff in Rome through the mediation of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and said the Iranian and American delegations seek to reach a fair and binding deal on the nuclear issue.
It said the sides “agreed to enter into the next phase of their discussions that aim to seal a fair, enduring and binding deal which will ensure Iran is completely free of nuclear weapons and sanctions, and maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.”
“It is only in dialogue and clear communication that we will be able to achieve a mutually credible agreement and understanding for the benefit of all concerned regionally and internationally,” the ministry emphasized.
It noted that the next round of the talks will take place in Muscat in the next few days
