Iran, US move ‘closer to agreement’ on some issues after ‘serious, longest’ round of talks: FM

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the latest round of indirect talks with the United States was one of the best, most serious, and longest to date, and that Tehran and Washington moved "closer to an agreement" on some issues.  

“Today I can say that one of the most serious and longest rounds of our negotiations was held. Approximately four hours were held in the morning and two hours in the afternoon,” he told reporters after the Geneva talks on Thursday.  

He said the discussions were conducted indirectly with mediation by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, and that UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi also relayed technical points between the two sides.

“His presence was technically useful. The Omani foreign minister also played an active role, as in previous rounds,” Araghchi added.

“Overall, during these long and very intensive hours, good progress was achieved, and we entered a serious review of the elements of an agreement, both in the nuclear field and on sanctions.”

He said that on some issues, understandings had come very close. “Of course, there are still disagreements, which is natural, but compared with the past, both sides are showing greater seriousness in reaching a negotiated solution,” Araghchi said.

He said it was agreed that starting Monday, technical teams in Vienna at the International Atomic Energy Agency would begin detailed technical reviews to organize certain technical issues within a defined framework, which would then be aligned with the political demands and considerations of both sides.

Araghchi added that it was also decided that the next round of talks would take place in the near future, likely in less than a week.

“As I mentioned, this round of negotiations was one of our best, most serious, and longest. The Omani Foreign Minister also tweeted that very good progress had been achieved.”

On sanctions, Araghchi said Iran had clearly set out its expectations: what measures should be taken, which US sanctions should be lifted, and the process to be followed regarding issues raised at the UN Security Council.

“Existing disagreements and necessary measures were clearly explained by us, and it was agreed that in the next session, we will examine these issues in greater detail,” he said.

Regarding the next round, the fourth, Araghchi said it had been agreed to hold it soon.

“I expect this meeting to take place in about a week. In the meantime, both sides need to take certain steps, prepare documents, and consult with their capitals. After that, the next session will convene,” he said.

Araghchi to Press TV: 'We made very good progress' 

Speaking to the Press TV correspondent at the venue of the negotiations, Araghchi said, "We held very intensive, detailed discussions today. I think we made very good progress."

"It was the first time that we had almost six to seven hours of talks both in the morning and the afternoon," he added.

Araghchi stated that during the talks, "We were able to define the main elements of a possible deal and we discussed those elements."

"Of course, there are still differences, but in most cases we at least have a general understanding of how to resolve those questions," the foreign minister noted.

He added that lengthy discussions were held about sanctions removal as well. "I think altogether it was very good and constructive."

The third round of indirect Iran-US talks began Thursday morning in a building belonging to the Omani Embassy. After three hours of intensive negotiations, the session paused to allow delegations to consult with their capitals.

Iran and the United States resumed negotiations nearly eight months after talks were derailed by unprovoked Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic last June, continuing indirect discussions facilitated by Omani mediation.

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